Before Utah Royals FC became a franchise, Mandy Laddish had won two NWSL Championships in 2014 and 2015 with FC Kansas City. In her time with Kansas City, Laddish made 39 appearances, scoring 1 goal. But her career in KC would come to a halt after the 2016 season - a hip injury would sideline her for two years.
Two surgeries later, Mandy Laddish returned to the pitch on April 20, 2019, playing 11 minutes in the 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit, receiving a thunderous ovation.
Last year, RSL Soapbox writer RJ Allen wrote:
Players play hurt.