The Utah Royals got some help on Friday night as they clinched their first NWSL playoff berth.

The Royals could have wrapped up a spot in the postseason with a victory over the Seattle Reign in Sandy, but the teams battled to a 0-0 draw.

The Royals then got some help in the form of the Portland Thorns’ 1-0 victory over the North Carolina Courage.

After finishing in 11th place in 2024, and in 12th place last season, the Royals are headed to the postseason.

Utah coach Jimmy Coenraets said the Royals played a “let’s-not-lose” game against Seattle.

“We wanted to win, but we were also smart about not losing this game,” Coenraets said.

Before the playoffs begin, the Royals have one more regular-season game, on Sunday, Nov. 1, against first-place Gotham FC in Harrison, New Jersey.

The Royals were among the top teams in the league during the first half of the season, when they put together a 10-game unbeaten streak.

But they have been slowed in recent weeks by injuries, and sat in fifth place with a 14-10-5 record after Friday’s game.

The Royals had an 11-9 edge in shots against Seattle, including a 4-1 advantage in shots on goal.

Utah goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn earned her fifth clean sheet of the season.