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Former Utah Royals goalkeeper Carly Nelson alleged in a social media post on Friday that she endured emotional and psychological abuse during her time with the club in 2024.
“Taking mental health leave back in May wasn’t optional for me,” she wrote in a statement on Instagram. “It was the only way to survive the relentless toxicity I was subjected to.”
Nelson is from Utah and joined the Royals via trade in late 2023. She played in only one game for the Royals – the team’s 2-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars in the opening match, when starter Mandy McGlynn was suspended due to a red card received in the 2023 final.
Nelson said in Friday’s post that she endured “public retaliation from the coaches responsible” when she sought mental health support. Nelson did not name any coaches, although she said in her statement that some of those allegedly responsible were eventually removed.
The Royals issued the following statement late on Friday:
“Utah Royals FC prides itself in creating…
