NWSL debut was a long time coming for Darielle O’Brien

Goals, gotta have ’em.

Personal goals. Team goals. All a matter of creating chances on the pitch.

So when Darielle O’Brien stepped onto Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday in the 88th minute, making her National Women’s Soccer League debut for Utah Royals FC in the inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup, it was a goal unlocked.

For the 26-year-old former Fontana Summit High School standout: “Honestly,” she said before the match, “I’m just trying to soak everything up and...