By OkayGoal 
The Utah Royals are still seeking their first playoff appearance in franchise history. As we approach the halfway point of the NWSL season, Utah looks to be well on their way towards that very achievement. With the current second-best goal differential in the NWSL, the Royals are humming, and it all starts with Mandy McGlynn at the goalkeeper position.
Despite having some injury troubles early on, McGlynn has established herself amongst the best at the goalkeeper position. She has worked her way through kinks in the road since an illustrious college career, and now is a serious factor for both Utah and the United States Women’s National Team.
From Florida to Virginia Tech
Mandy McGlynn was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, which is where we would see her soccer aspirations truly take off. She attended Sandalwood High School there in Jacksonville, where she would play both goalkeeper and forward. While it became clear her future was likely at goalkeeper, she found success at both positions, earning all-conference in two separate seasons, playing in both spots.
McGlynn’s success in high school had her destined for collegiate soccer, which culminated in her earning the right to go to Virginia Tech on a full scholarship. With the Hokies is where she would jump onto the scene as one of the most promising goalkeeping talents in America.
In four seasons at Virginia Tech, McGlynn would earn an incredible number of accolades. In both 2018 and 2019, she would earn All-ACC First Team honors while going on the start the final 60 matches of her collegiate career. When it was all set and done, McGlynn would go down as a certified Virginia Tech legend, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in shutouts and goals against average.
Staying the Course in the Pros
Following an unbelievable college career, McGlynn made her way to the NWSL, being selected 20th overall in the 2020 draft by Gotham FC (known as Sky Blue FC at the time). It was a slow start for her in the NWSL. However, only appearing in one game for Gotham FC between 2020 and 2021.
After her slow start with Gotham FC, McGlynn made the jump to Sweden to get back on track. This would be a great move for her career, as her signing with Piteå IF would culminate in appearing in all 26 matches for the club and recording nine clean sheets.
One year with Piteå IF was all McGlynn needed, as she would quickly return to Gotham FC. In just a season back with the club, she would help contribute to Gotham FC’s first NWSL Championship, making 17 total appearances, including three in the playoffs.
Ahead of the 2024 season, McGlynn was traded to the Utah Royals, where her talents would truly come to fruition. Her first season in Utah featured 84 saves across 24 regular season games, earning her a NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year nomination. In 2025, she would put together another very solid season, recording five clean sheets and starting another 24 games. Now, in 2026, despite a finger injury to start the season, through seven appearances, McGlynn already has three clean sheets and 12 saves.
A Tale of Consistency and Steadiness
McGlynn’s story as a goalkeeper has been one of consistent development and improvement, which is evident in her recent presence with the USWNT. 2024 was her first call-up to the team, in which she would then go on to start and record a clean sheet against Argentina in a friendly. Since then, she keeps popping up on U.S. rosters, including with the squad’s most recent friendlies against Brazil.
In a time period in which goalkeeping talent seems to be at a premium in America, Mandy McGlynn has grinded her way to this point of success. After a slow start in the NWSL, she worked until she could compete with the best in the pros. Now, she is a key piece in not just the future of the Utah Royals, but also the USWNT.
Featured image via @mandy_mcglynn