December 7, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Utah Royals News Release
HERRIMAN, Utah – Utah Royals FC today welcome defender Madison Pogarch to its expansion 2024 roster via free agency, as the former San Diego Wave player signs a new deal for the 2024/25 NWSL seasons with the Utah side. Pogarch – a native of Hartland, Michigan – has played 36 games in the NWSL over the last five years for both the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave, following a collegiate career that saw her thrive at Central Michigan (2015-17) and Rutgers (2018).
“I’m very excited for this day to arrive, it’s been in the works for a bit and to have it finally come together is a nice early Christmas present,” said Pogarch, winner of NWSL Shields in 2021 (Portland) and 2023 (San Diego), as well as Community Shield (2020), Challenge Cup (2021) and the International Champions Cup (2021). “I was fairly new to the league when the Utah Royals were around before, but I remember playing against Amy; the passion she has for the game you can’t help but see it in how she played and now in everything she does.
“Amy’s prowess in this game is evident with her playing at a high level for as long as she has, and now bringing that experience to build this team. In talking to Amy, the conversations that we have had stem from her being super-competitive, obviously wanting to do whatever it takes to win from the get-go. Nothing about this setup feels like an expansion team to me, as everyone I’ve talked to around the team is ready to hit the ground running, and that’s exciting.
Pogarch’s NWSL debut came on May 25, 2019, just weeks after signing in Portland, earning her first start on June 15. Prior to a summer trade from Portland to San Diego in July, 2022, Pogarch helped the Thorns win multiple trophies, including the NWSL Community Shield (2020) and three 2021 trophies: the NWSL Challenge Cup, the International Champions Cup and the NWSL Shield. With San Diego in 2023, Pogarch’s team again captured the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the most regular-season points.
“I’m very excited to see all of us players show up for the community, meeting the fan base, making the personal connections with everyone that is supportive of the NWSL return to Utah. I’m a very passionate, emotional person about this game, and I’m sure everyone will see that coming out on the pitch; I can’t help but bring out energy, spunk, fire, creativity, athleticism – all those things every day.
“I carry a ton of…