Michele Vasconcelos acquired by Utah Royals FC

Utah Royals FC announced today that they have acquired Brigham Young University graduate and Utah native Michele Vasconcelos from the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for $55,000 in allocation money.

“I’m thrilled to be able to do what I love in my hometown,” Vasconcelos said. “I grew up going to games at Rio Tinto Stadium, I even played my high school state finals there. I look forward to playing in front of my family and friends, as well as having the added support of my daughter. I am excited to be a part of the Royals and to contribute to the club and community.”

Vasconcelos, who grew up in Sandy and played high school ball for Alta High School, was chosen as the 2011-12 Gatorade Utah Soccer Player of the Year during her Senior year. After leaving high school, she spent four years with the BYU Cougars in nearby Provo. In 70 matches, the forward set records with 30 goals and 27 assists, which are still top-10 all-time marks at BYU. She was also selected as the West Coast Conference Player of the Year during here senior season in 2016.

“Michele is a talented young forward with deep roots in this community and we are excited to have her as part of this club,” General Manager Stephanie Lee said.

“Michele is quality, her combination of skills is high level and her mindset on top of that is high level,” Head Coach Craig Harrington said. “I know we are getting a really good player here that makes our squad stronger.”

Vasconcelos, 26, has been a part of the Chicago Red Stars since being drafted as the first pick in the 2nd Round of the 2017 NWSL draft. After giving birth to a daughter in 2017, she appeared in 31 matches with 15 starts three goals and three assists during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. She also came on a late substitute in 6 matches during the recently completed 2020 Challenge Cup.