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Reign 2-1 over Courage with playoff position on the line

Seattle Reign FC 2
North Carolina Courage 1
September 28, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Lee Pate photos (to follow)

NWSL table and playoff position was on the line in Seattle on Sunday evening when Reign FC hosted North Carolina Courage. The logjam of teams separated by only a few points in spots three through ten makes every point even more essential.

Three points could jump either club up the table into potential home pitch playoff matches. Dropping points could place either of them in danger of falling out of the top eight.

The Courage came out firing. Just six minutes in the Reign defense was on its heels, saved by a Claudia Dickey deflection to the crossbar. Moments later the Courage broke through the left side and were only stopped by a scramble of legs blocking the way.

Despite the pressure, North Carolina did not manage to break through in the early stages.

Seattle managed to get more chances the other way for a while, forcing the Courage to bring back numbers on defense. North Carolina was able to weather the pressure and return to their press. The Courage seemed to be focusing down their left flank and created most of their dangerous chances from the approach.

The Reign defense was managing to keep the Courage out of the net, but were defending in big numbers to do it, reducing their countering opportunities as the half progressed.

The match would go into the break goalless. The Courage could not break through and Seattle had to be relieved that they had weathered a first half storm. The Reign just were not able to sustain pressure at the other end, only managing a few chances amidst several mad scrambles in front of their own goal.

Maddie Dahlien looked to open the scoring in the opening moments of the second half, but VAR overruled her as offside.

Not long after, the Seattle bench would get the referee attention of a yellow card to coach Laura Harvey.

Hannah Betfort would get a header past Dickey in the 58th minute; finally opening the scoring and giving the Courage the lead.

Seattle would find the equalizer. Jordyn Huitema would get a foot on a low cross at the far post from Emeri Adames in the 71st minute. The Reign had seemed to find a bit of their swagger again.

Dahlien would get her goal in the 80th minute. Taking a similar run to what had been called back, she drilled a low far post short to give the hosts a bit of an improbable lead.

Seattle would see out the match, grabbing the 2-1 lead and three massive points. The Reign now control their fate for a home playoff match with four to go.

A difficult loss for a very good North Carolina side. They still have time to finish the climb up into the top eight, but dropping points on this night was especially harsh.

Box Score

NCC (4-2-3-1): Marisa Jordan; Dani Weatherholt (Natalie Jacobs – 89′), Kaleigh Kurtz ©, Maycee Bell, Ryan Williams (Meredith Speck – 89′); Shinomi Koyama (Heather MacNab – 90′ + 1′), Riley Jackson; Tyler Lussi, Manaka Matsukubo (Talia Staude – 73′), Payton Linnehan; Hannah Betfort (Aline Gomes – 73′)
Subs Not Used: Casey Murphy, Katie Cappelletti, Cortnee Vine, Oli Peña

SEA (4-1-4-1): Claudia Dickey; Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry; Samantha Meza; Maddie Dahlien (Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic – 84), Sally Menti (Lauren Barnes – 90′), Jess Fishlock © (Ainsley McCammon – 66′), Nérilia Mondésir (Emeri Adames – 66′); Jordyn Huitema
Subs Not Used: Angharad James-Turner, Emily Mason, Mia Fishel, Shae Holmes, Maddie Prohaska

Goals:
NCC: H. Betfort – 57′ (R. Williams)
SEA: R. Williams – 71′ (OG), M. Dahlien – 80′ (S. Menti)

Cautions:
NCC: –
SEA: S. Menti – 20′, L. Harvey (HC) – 53′, L. Barnes – 90’+ 9′

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Reign and Racing Louisville conclude suspended game in closed setting

Seattle Reign FC 1
Racing Louisville FC 0
September 16, 2025
2nd half of suspended match from 9/14/25
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Sunday evening in Seattle, the match between Reign FC and visiting Racing Louisville FC was suspended in first half stoppage time. Racing midfielder Savannah DeMelo was taken by ambulance from the field to a local hospital due to a medical event and it was determined that the match would not continue at that time.

The two sides had played to a goalless draw as the half was drawing to a close when DeMelo became in need of medical assistance. The two teams went to the lockers and the match was announced to have been cancelled. The earlier season medical emergency with Savy King of Angel City FC led to a re-evaluation of league procedures. Whereas the May 9 match was allowed to continue at the time, it was determined to suspend this match.

Louisville remained in Seattle as DeMelo received medical treatment. It was announced on Monday that the match would resume Tuesday evening in a closed door setting with a second half kickoff. DeMelo issued a statement of thanks to everyone involved and indicated she is recovering. The NWSLPA issued a statement in support of the match being called.

The first half of the match on Sunday was goalless, but interesting. Louisville played with their foot on the gas and Seattle mostly played to absorb and counter. Reign keeper Claudia Dickey made a number of saves while under a fair amount of ongoing pressure. Seattle did create chances on the other end with Jordyn Huitema and Mia Fishel getting chances on goal.

The story of Sunday though was the medical event that led to the suspension of the match. During stoppage time emergency medical services rushed the field as DeMelo was reportedly unresponsive. The prompt response of the medical staffs and local medical services got DeMelo to a local hospital in short order.

Since the match was called during stoppage time; it was determined that the first half had concluded when the players were sent to the lockers, and the teams would play the second half beginning in the 46th minute. Tuesday also was suddenly and unseasonably warm, with it in the mid-80’s at kickoff.

Katie O’Kane came on for Louisville, replacing DeMelo in the line up.

The resumed match began at s brisk pace as both clubs pushed for a quick goal. Louisville went right at Seattle, but the Reign pushed right back as opposed to slowing, absorbing, and countering.

The tactical approach to the match was intriguing. With the match level and simply a forty-five minute half of a game and both teams rested, putting the foot on the gas made sense. With the only initial sub being for DeMelo, both coaches basically had their subs and windows and could let players loose for the shorter time under the warm weather conditions.

Jess Fishlock would break the goalless deadlock in the 90th minute, finishing low from the top of the box.

A frantic stoppage time followed. The late Fishlock goal would hold up and Seattle would take the three points.

MATCH SUMMARY

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Jess Fishlock (Maddie Dahlien) 90’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

LOU – Ellie Jean (caution) 31’
SEA – Sam Meza (caution) 64’
LOU – Taylor Flint (caution) 90+2’
SEA – Jordyn Bugg (caution) 90+7’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Lauren Barnes © (Jess Fishlock 85’), Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg; Madison Curry, Sally Menti (Angharad James-Turner 90+5’), Sam Meza; Jordyn Huitema, Mia Fishel (Maddie Dahlien 73’), Nérilia Mondesir (Emily Mason 90+5’)

Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Ana-Maria Crngorčević, Ainsley McCammon, Shae Holmes, Mikayla Cluff, Emeri Adames

Total shots: 15
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 9
Offside: 0
Corner-Kicks: 5
Saves: 4

Racing Louisville FC – Jordyn Bloomer; Arin Wright © (Makenna Morris 84’), Ellie Jean, Ella Hase, Courtney Petersen; Savannah DeMelo (Katie O’Kane 46’, Marisa DiGrande 84’), Ary Borges, Taylor Flint; Emma Sears, Janine Sonis, Sarah Weber (Bethany Balcer 90+5’)
Substitutes not used: Cristina Roque, Madison White, Lauren Milliet, Kayla Fischer, Ángela Barón, Avery Kalitta

Total shots: 17
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 8
Offside: 0
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 6

Referee: Jaclyn Metz
Assistants: Eric Krueger, Devon Dieckman
Fourth Official: Kelsey Harms
VAR: Anya Voigt
Attendance: 8,091

The Sunday match also featured a retirement celebration for Reign forward Veronica Latsko. Latsko had spend the 2025 season rehabbing an injury and will be pursuing a law degree.

Seattle announced that the 8,091 in attendance Sunday will have options in the future as to what to do about their tickets after the cancellation.

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Reign match versus Louisville cancelled due to medical emergency on Sunday

Seattle Reign FC 0
Racing Louisville FC 0
MATCH Called off at Halftime
September 14, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

This post is in lieu of a regular match report.

Savannah DeMelo collapsed in first half stoppage time and was taken by ambulance away from Lumen Field.

The match was goalless with about two minutes left in stoppage when players were sent to the lockers.

During halftime, it was announced the match was cancelled. Details of possible continuation or replay will be announced in the coming days. Early report from the league is that is would be picked up in progress, but that is the early report.

Information about DeMelo’s health status is limited; but social media posts from the clubs and league indicate that the she is responsive and apparently okay.

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Reign and Wave play to goalless draw

Seattle Reign FC 0
San Diego Wave FC 0
August 29, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Photos by Lee Pate

Seattle Reign FC hosted San Diego FC Friday evening at Lumen Field. Reign FC won 2-1 in San Diego in early June before the international break.

Both sides entered the match above the playoff line, with only three points separating them.

With the run in to the postseason beginning to shake out, playoff position from week to week will add to the stakes of so many match ups.

The hosts came out on the front foot. Seattle created several early chances, forcing Wave keeper Kailen Sheridan into early saves.

The Wave would weather the initial Seattle press, working in a few counters that created some chances. Neither would grab an early goal.

The overall series has titled toward Seattle since San Diego joined in expansion. The Wave are no longer an expansion side, sitting third in the table. Seattle is in the midst of a bounce back year following the disastrous 2024 campaign.

The Reign took varied approaches in the attack as the first half wound down, unable to crack the Wave goal.

The Wave offense managed to work into longer possessions, less dependent on the counter. Getting a clear look at Reign keeper Claudia Dickey continued to be a challenge.

The match would go into the half level and goalless.

The Wave brought on two halftime subs and pressed hard in the early going. Much as Seattle had in the first half, San Diego would not break through with the early goal.

Wave pressing would continue to maintain possession, but Dickey handled those chances; in the 69th minute a close range near post short was kick saved away, and in the 73rd a stretched out Dickey would pull down a Makenzy Robbe long range blast.

The match would end in a goalless draw.

With each grabbing a point, the standings were only altered due to other results, with Seattle moving up to fifth.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY

None

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Sally Menti (caution) 37’
SD – Kristen McNabb (caution) 60’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Lauren Barnes ©, Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry (Maddie Dahlien 81’); Jess Fishlock (Nérilia Mondesir 81’), Sally Menti, Sam Meza; Jordyn Huitema, Emeri Adames (Mia Fishel 89’)
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, Angharad James-Turner, Emily Mason, Ainsley McCammon, Ji So-Yun

Total shots: 12
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 6
Offside: 1
Corner-Kicks: 2
Saves: 4

San Diego Wave FC – Kailen Sheridan ©; Trinity Armstrong, Hanna Lundkvist, Kennedy Wesley, Kristen McNabb; Kenza Dali, Gia Corley, Kimmi Ascanio (Adriana Leon 46’), Laurina Fazer (Savannah McCaskill 46’); Makenzy Robbe (Melanie Barcenas 74’), Delphine Cascarino
Substitutes not used: Didi Haračić, Kyra Carusa, Jordan Fusco, Quincy McMahon, Perle Morroni, Dudinha

Total shots:  13
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 9
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks:  6
Saves: 5

Referee: Calin Radosav
Assistants: Darren Bandy, Bruno Rizo
Fourth Official: Hunter Zachwieja
VAR: Kevin Broadley
Attendance: 10,004
Weather: 71 degrees and cloudy

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Reign host Stars in Seattle on Monday night

Seattle Reign FC 3
Chicago Stars FC 2
August 18, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Seattle Reign FC hosted Chicago Stars FC on Monday evening in Seattle.

The visiting Stars have shown grit coming out of the international break, grabbing two draws. The Stars still sit well down the table on only eight points, but the two draws showed resilience.

Seattle comes off a difficult road loss to their Cascadia rivals; but are in a position to move another space up the table on the evening above the playoff line.

With her start in the nets, Alyssa Naeher would become the first goalkeeper to reach 200 league appearances in NWSL history.

The hosts got on the board early, nabbing a goal in the third minute. Jordyn Huitema would push a low cross to the near post for Jessica Fishlock to slot in. It was the second consecutive match Seattle grabbed a third minute goal.

The Stars offense pushed and kept Reign keeper Claudia Dickey busy throughout the first half, forcing several saves without breaking through. The visitors would be punished in the 34th minute as Huitema would convert after a Naeher save and deflection to double the host lead.

The first half was additionally difficult on the Stars. Two injury substitutions in the first half limited the options Chicago interim head coach Ella Masar would have available to respond to the two goal deficit.

The second half would see the match instantly move to three nil. Emeri Adames would volley in a missed clearance ten seconds into the half to add to the Seattle lead. Dickey sent a long ball off the kickoff that bounced Adames took advantage.

Jenna Bike would injure her ankle moments later. forcing Chicago to use their final sub slot only minutes into the second half.

The Reign would bring on Lynn Biyendolo and Mia Fishel in the 65th minute. Seattle coach Laura Harvey presumably was looking to continue the pressure on Chicago to avoid a comeback. Yet, the Stars would get one back in the 73rd minute. Ludmila would break through and beat Dickey to the far post.

Chicago made Seattle pay again in the 78th minute, cutting the lead to a single goal with time to play. A second far post goal, this time by Camryn Biegalski would make the match suddenly more interesting. Much of the talk of Chicago recently having resiliency was being shown in real time.

What looked like a runaway win for the Reign got tense and tight in the final minutes and stoppage time with the Chicago goals. The Stars had chances, and managed to level it at three in the waning seconds on a set piece to grab an improbable road point. Alyssa Naeher was the one that poked in the third goal as she had come forward for the final set piece. It was Naeher’s first goal in the league.

The comeback was a bitter pill for Seattle, that had to view the result as two points dropped.

The Reign honored the 1985 USWNT on the 40th anniversary of their first official match.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Jess Fishlock (Jordyn Huitema) 3’
SEA – Jordyn Huitema 34’
SEA – Emeri Adames 46’
CHI – Ludmila (Ally Schlegel) 73’
CHI – Camryn Biegalski (Taylor Malham) 78′
CHI – Alyssa Naeher 90+9’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

CHI – Sam Staab (caution) 56’
SEA – Sam Meza (caution) 88’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey, Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Madison Curry (Jordyn Bugg 66’), Shae Holmes, Angharad James-Turner, Jess Fishlock © (Sam Meza 85’), Sally Menti, Maddie Dahlien (Mia Fishel 66’), Jordyn Huitema (Lynn Biyendolo 66’), Emeri Adames (Emily Mason 86’)
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Lauren Barnes, Nérilia Mondesir, Ji So-Yun

Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 12
Offside: 1
Corner-Kicks: 1
Saves: 7

Chicago Stars FC – Alyssa Naeher ©, Sam Staab, Kathrin Hendrich, Natalia Kuikka (Camryn Biegalski 14’), Taylor Malham, Shea Groom (Manaka Hayashi 32’), Julia Grosso, Maitane (Bea Franklin 46’), Ludmila, Jenna Bike (Jameese Joseph 55’), Ally Schlegel
Substitutes not used: Mackenzie Wood, Ava Cook, Leilanni Nesbeth, Micayla Johnson, Nádia Gomes

Total shots:  21
Shots on goal: 11
Fouls: 8
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks:  4
Saves: 4

Referees: Greg Dopka
Assistants: Chris Schurfranz, Melissa Beck
Fourth Official: Christopher Calderon
VAR: Servando Berna
Attendance: 7,290
Weather: 70 degrees and cloudy

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Thorns 4-2 over Reign in 43rd NWSL Cascadia derby

Seattle Reign FC 2
Portland Thorns FC 4
August 10, 2025
Providence Park – Portland, OR
NWSL Regular Season

Portland Thorns FC hosted Seattle Reign FC in the 43rd meeting of the NWSL Cascadia Derby on Sunday afternoon at Providence Park in Portland.

What began in 2013 as a rivalry of proximity has evolved into real derby. Both clubs have typically been good, playing for trophies with rosters full of internationals. Travelling supporters add a proper atmosphere. All of this and dramatic matches has built a history.

Entering the match, the series was level at sixteen wins each with ten draws across all competitions.

The 1PM start was met with a muggy ninety-something temperature.

Seattle would get on the board quickly. Emeri Adames would get in behind the Thorns defense in the third minute and nudge one in for the early goal and lead.

Portland would look to quickly respond, taking it right back at the Reign and forcing keeper Claudia Dickey into a fingertip save in the eighth minute and a swarm of attacks in the ensuing minutes.

The Thorns would get their equalizer early. An 18th minute penalty was converted by Sam Coffey and things were right back level. Could the pace keep up in the heat?

The hosts would go up a goal at 2-1 in the 26th minute, Reilyn Turner would get past the Seattle defense and score her 5th goal of the season.

A few close calls for both sides at the beginning of the second half did not lead to a quick goal for either side. But, about ten minutes into the half on a delayed restart, Reyna Reyes would get a header past Dickey.

Seattle would need the reinforcements to step up as the subs starting coming on.

Jessica Fishlock got one back in the 64th minute, netting a diving header. But, the two goal lead was grabbed right back the next minute by Pietra Tordin on the restart. Moments earlier it was a 3-1 scoreline and suddenly it was a 4-2 scoreline.

Mia Fishel would get her first taste of the derby, coming on in the 66th.

Portland’s midfield trio of Moultrie, Coffey, and Hina Sugita were relentless in keeping their Reign counterparts on their heels. The Thorns were able to get and keep possession with the Thorns forwards pressing and creating ongoing opportunities. The Portland pressure kept the ball in the Reign defensive half for significant stretches.

THe match would end at 4-2 for Portland. The Thorns now move ahead of Seattle with 17 wins in the series.

The Cascadia derby atmosphere in Portland was rocking. 21,811 filled Providence Park and were active, even in the sweltering conditions.

An interesting match. The early Reign goal got things rolling. Portland answered and pressed and kept the visitors on their heels much of the match.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Emeri Adames (Jess Fishlock) 3’
POR – Sam Coffey (penalty) 18’
POR – Reilyn Turner (Jessie Fleming) 26’
POR – Reyna Reyes 55’
SEA – Jess Fishlock (Madison Curry) 64’
POR – Pietra Tordin (Hina Sugita) 65’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

None

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Sofia Huerta, Jordyn Bugg (Lauren Barnes 60’), Shae Holmes, Madison Curry; Sally Menti (Mia Fishel 67’), Sam Meza, Jess Fishlock © (Ji So-Yun 78’); Emeri Adames, Maddie Dahlien (78’), Jordyn Huitema (Lynn Biyendolo 61’)
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Angharad James-Turner, Emily Mason, Ainsley McCammon

Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 11
Offside: 1
Corner-Kicks: 5
Saves: 7

Portland Thorns FC – Mackenzie Arnold; Reyna Reyes, Isabella Obaze, Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie (Kaitlyn Torpey 75’); Sam Coffey ©, Hina Sugita, Jessie Fleming (Mimi Alidou 84’), Olivia Moultrie (Payton Linnehan 84); Pietra Tordin (Deyna Castellanos 75’), Reilyn Turner (Daiane 84’)
Substitutes not used: Bella Bixby, Jayden Perry, Carissa Boeckmann, Alexa Spaanstra

Total shots:  23
Shots on goal: 11
Fouls: 5
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks:  4
Saves: 1

Referees:  Katja Koroleva
Assistants:  Matthew Rodman, Matthew Schwartz
Fourth Official:  Justin St. Pierre
VAR: Jamie Padilla
Attendance:  21,811

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Reign FC 2-0 over Angel City to kickoff second half

Seattle Reign FC 2
Angel City FC 0
August 1, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

LEE PATE Photos (to be updated)

The second half of the NWSL season kicked off Friday evening for Reign FC and Angel City FC in Seattle.

Seattle is in the middle of a bounce back season. The 2024 frustrations have been replaced by a club back above the playoff line. The summer transfer window saw a big splash with the transfer and signing of Mia Fishel from Chelsea and the return of Sofia Huerta from OL Lyon.

Andel City begins the weekend below the line, but only three points off the final place and well within reach.

Angel City came out more on the front foot. The bulk of the first third of the match was with the Los Angeles side maintaining the majority of possession and attack.

Seattle mostly absorbed and countered in that stage of the match, picking spots for the odd push forward.
When the Reign did forward, their young attackers pressed high and put a good deal of pressure on the City defense.

However, none of this led to an early goal.

Both keepers face a few challenges, but neither conceded as the first half wore on.

The first half chances on goal that were created were good, but few in number. Neither defense broke down and neither offense was over-committing numbers forward.

An entertaining half concluded without a goal for either side.

The second half began with end to end action as both sides were pressing to grab a lead.

Seattle brought Jess Fishlock on at the half. At around the 60th minute both coaches started making the subs.

Fishlock would clean up the clearance and save of her own header, poking in a goal in the 66th minute to reward the crowd of over ten thousand on a lovely Seattle Friday evening.

An Angel City own goal in the 86th minute on a corner kick would push the Seattle lead to two. Fishlock flicked on the corner and it hit an unlucky defender and ricocheted into the net.

The second goal would hold and the Reign would take the three points.

With 24 points now on the season, the Reign have already passed the 2024 mark of only 23 points.

The impact of the returning Huerta was felt throughout the match. The veteran international returned from a season in France and her overlapping service created numerous chances for the Reign.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Jess Fishlock 66’
SEA – Own Goal 86’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

None

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon ©, Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry, Shae Holmes; Sally Menti (Mia Fishel 81’), Sam Meza, Ji So-Yun (Jess Fishlock 46’, Ainsley McCammon 90+4’); Maddie Dahlien (Jordyn Huitema 64’), Emeri Adames (Nerilia Mondesir 64’)
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Maddie Mercado, Lynn Biyendolo, Emily Mason

Total shots: 10
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 9
Offside: 0
Corner-Kicks: 4
Saves: 6

Angel City FC – Angelina Anderson; Sarah Gordon ©, Evelyn Shores (M.A. Vignola 63’), Miyabi; Alanna Kennedy, Kennedy Fuller (Christen Press 81’), Jun Endo (Katie Zelem 63’), Madison Hammond; Alyssa Thompson, Svendis Jónsdóttir (Maiara Niehues 90+4’), Riley Tiernan (Julie Dufour 90+4’)
Substitutes not used: Hannah Seabert, Katie Zelem, Megan Reid, Macey Hodge

Total shots:  8
Shots on goal: 6
Fouls: 11
Offside: 0
Corner-kicks:  4
Saves: 1

Referees:  Shawn Tehini
Assistants:  Christian Clerc, Seth Martin
Fourth Official:  Kelsey Harms
VAR:  Jaclyn Metz

Attendance:  10,117
Weather:  73 degrees and sunny

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Reign FC 2-1 over Urawa Red Diamonds in Seattle

Seattle Reign FC 2
Urawa Red Diamonds 1
July 20, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
Club International Friendly

LEE PATE Photos

Seattle Reign FC emerged from their international break with a club international friendly against Urawa red Diamonds of Japan on Sunday afternoon in Seattle.

The match with Urawa is the first of two friendlies for the Reign before resuming NWSL play August 1 against Angel City FC.

Recent signing Mia Fishel made her Reign debut after her big move from Chelsea. Returning from loan with Lyon and joining Fishel in the starting eleven was Sofia Huerta.

Urawa plays in the Japanese WE League and come in as the reigning Empress’s Cup champions. The men’s side played in Seattle at Lumen recently during the FIFA Club World Cup.

The club international friendly was a good chance for the Reign to shake off some international break rust and work players into the line up.

With the early stages of the match seeing a lot of end to end movement but little in the ways of chances, it would be a returning player to open the scoring. Sofia Huerta would get on the end of a Urawa clearance and volley low from outside the box to the near post in the 27th minute.

Seattle has done well in 2025 with squad rotation and was playing without some internationals. After a frustrating 2024, the Reign have got to the midseason break above the playoff line.

Urawa would answer the Huerta goal with a leveller in the 35th. A Red Diamonds corner would would find an open Takatsuka Ena for a soft touch to the lower far post.

The Seattle depth was on display as Reign coach Laura Harvey pread out minutes in the friendly. Newly capped Sam Meza made an immediate impact. Emeri Adames was all over the Urawa back line, coming on for Fishel.

Reign forward Jordyn Huitema was fouled in the box in the 53rd minute and Huerta would grab her brace, converting the penalty.

Seattle’s defense would hold serve in the second half.

The match would finish 2-1 to the home side.

The Reign travel down I5 for a Cascadia friendly with rivals Portland Thorns FC on Saturday July 26 for their second friendly prior to the resumption of league play.

Urawa also will play the Thorns in their US tour on Wednesday in Portland.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Sofia Huerta 27’
URA – Takatsuka Ena 36’
SEA – Sofia Huerta (PK) 53’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Nérilia Mondesir (caution) 84’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Maddie Prohaska; Sofia Huerta (Maddie Mercado 61’), Emily Mason (Phoebe McClernon 46’), Jordyn Bugg (Hanna Glas 46’), Madison Curry, Shae Holmes ©; Ainsley McCammon, Sally Menti (Sam Meza 46’); Jordyn Huitema (Maddie Dahlien 61’), Mia Fishel (Emeri Adames 32’), Nérilia Mondesir
Substitutes not used: Claudia Dickey, Neeku Purcell

Urawa Red Diamonds – Ikeda Sakiko; Goto Wakaba, Takahashi Hana, Nagashima Reina (Akimoto Kanon 74’), Sakurai Madoka (Okamura Raika 63’); Ito Miki, Tsunoda Fuka (Shibata Hanae 73’), Takatsuka Ena (Kato Chika 63’), Tanno Ririka (Fujisaki Satoko, 63’), Sakakibara Kotono (Ando Kozue 73’); Shimada Mei (Sugasawa Yuika 74’)
Substitutes not used: Ino Maya, Easther Mayi Kith

Attendance: 6,495

Weather: 64 degrees and cloudy

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Spirit hand Reign a home loss

Seattle Reign FC 1
Washington Spirit 2
May 23, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Seattle Reign FC hosted Washington Spirit on Friday night in Seattle.

The two clubs have played numerous important matches over the years as NWSL originals. Once again, both clubs find themselves jockeying for position in the table; entering the match only a few points apart and above the playoff line.

2025 Reign FC matches have been tense, low scoring affairs. A gritty ability to fight through single goal games and grab points has set this season already apart from the 2024 campaign.

The Spirit have been involved in a number of high scoring shoot outs. Goals scored and conceded have been in big numbers of late.

Something had to give.

A brisk pace set the tone early. The Spirit took it right at the hosts, nearly going up early on a VAR overturned goal, and then grabbing the actual lead a few minutes later from Croix Bethune that VAR confirmed.

The Reign would equalize quickly. Shae Holmes wold capitalize with a close range blast. It appeared the race was on.

Washington would continue its high pressure and pace and keep the hosts on their heels for the bulk of he first half. Reign keeper Claudia Dickey saw much activity in front of her goal as her defense was hustling to disrupt and defend the Spirit attack. Dickey signed a three year extension and was announced as a national team call up earlier in the week.

All that Spirit pressure allowed them to retake the lead in the 35th minute. Ashley Hatch would get on the end of a Gift Monday low drive from short range to make the match 2-1.

The first half would end with the single goal lead.

Not much changed as the second half got underway insofar as pace of play. Seattle managed more of the early play but could not get a clean chance to pressure Spirit keeper Aubrey Kingsbury.

The young Seattle line up gave way to the veterans off the bench with Lynn Biyendolo and the return of Jessica Fishlock. Despite a few chances and set pieces, the second goal for Seattle wold not come.

The single goal would hold up and Washington leaves Seattle with three huge points as the international break ebbs closer.

MATCH SUMMARY

Seattle Reign FC 1 – Washington Spirit 2
Friday, May 23, 2025
Venue: Lumen Field
Referees: Brad Jensen
Assistants: Fernando Fierro, Eric Krueger
Fourth Official: Miles Crumley
VAR: Anya Voigt
Attendance: 7,080
Weather: 61 degrees and sunny

SCORING SUMMARY

WAS – Croix Bethune (Casey Krueger) 11’
SEA – Shae Holmes 17’
WAS – Ashley Hatch (Gift Monday) 35’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

WAS – Narumi Miura (caution) 50’
SEA – Shae Holmes (caution) 55’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Lauren Barnes ©, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry, Shae Holmes (Nérilia Mondesir 74’); Angharad James-Turner (Ji So-Yun 74’), Sam Meza; Maddie Dahlien (Sally Menti 89’), Jordyn Huitema (Lynn Biyendolo 62’), Emeri Adames (Jess Fishlock 61’)
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Emily Mason, Ainsley McCammon, Hanna Glas

Total shots: 7
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 6
Offside: 2
Corner-Kicks: 3
Saves: 2

Washington Spirit – Aubrey Kingsbury ©; Casey Krueger (Kiley Dulaney 81’), Rebeca Bernal, Tara McKeown, Gabby Carle, Esme Morgan (Kysha Sylla 66’); Narumi Miura, Croix Bethune (Hal Hershfelt 66’); Rosemonde Kouassi (Brittany Ratcliffe 89’), Gift Monday (Makenna Morris 81’), Ashley Hatch
Substitutes not used: Sandy MacIver, Courtney Brown, Heather Stainbrook, Meg Boade

Total shots: 17
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 9
Offside: 1
Corner-kicks: 3
Saves: 1

by

Reign host Dash on Mother’s Day

Seattle Reign FC 0
Houston Dash 0
May 11, 2025
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Lee Pate Photos

Seattle Reign FC hosted Houston Dash on Mother’s Day at Lumen Field.

Houston is near the bottom of the table in the early going. A road win or point would be a big result.

Reign FC look to continue their resurgence in 2025. Positive results and clean sheets have put Seattle in a position to jump up in to the top tier of the table with three points.

The first half was a spirited, but ultimately goalless affair.

Much of the half was spent with both sides moving the ball about quickly, looking for openings, but not breaking through. The pressing and pressure did not lead to many chances until well into the half.

It was in the 33rd minute that the first real dangerous chance on goal would come for either side. Reign rookie Maddie Dahlien would manage a quick cut in and near post blast that would just go wide.

From there, the pace would pick up even more, and chances started to happen. Dash pressure on the counter was getting them into the Seattle third, but only to be dealt with by the Reign defenders.

There were a few more dangerous chances for Seattle on the counter and through a few corner kicks. The field turf and Houston team defenses would be enough.

With the match still level and goalless, the second half would also start off briskly.

The Dash continued to bend, but not break. Houston defenders were steadily able to deflect, intercept, and disrupt passing lanes. The Reign offense continued to press, attacking from either flank, unable to get clean looks.

Houston’s patience would be rewarded and Seattle’s inability to break through would be punished in the 57th minute. Maggie Graham would get on the end of a low cross from Ryan Gareis, finishing the chance with a low drive from close range. With that, the Dash were suddenly up a goal.

In a presser on Saturday, Reign coach Laura Harvey had remarked that the success of recent matches against the top of the table teams was great, but they needed to do better against the teams below them.

The Reign would throw fresh legs and numbers forward. The crossbar, some good team defense, and solid goalkeeping from Houston’s Abby Smith continued to stifle each wave of the Seattle attack.

The three points for Houston was a reward for smart play and collective defense. They took their chance and held on against a number of chances.

The missed opportunity for the Reign was a call back to the 2024 campaign. It was a good performance with some chances, but they didn’t finish and paid for it.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY
HOU – Maggie Graham (Ryan Gareis) 57’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SEA – Maddie Dahlien (caution) 16’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Lauren Barnes ©, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg (Maddie Mercado 86’); Angharad James-Turner (Ainsley McCammon 71’), Sam Meza, Ji So-Yun (Madison Curry 57’); Lynn Biyendolo, Ana-Maria Crnogorčević (Shae Holmes 71’), Maddie Dahlien (Emeri Adames 71’), Jordyn Huitema
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Emily Mason, Hanna Glas, Olivia Van der Jagt

Total shots: 6
Shots on goal: 1
Fouls: 5
Offside: 5
Corner-Kicks: 5
Saves: 1

Houston Dash – Abby Smith; Natalie Jacobs, Avery Patterson, Christen Westphal (Paige Nielsen 64’), Katie Lind; Delanie Sheehan (Sarah Puntigam 83’), Ryan Gareis (Michelle Alozie 78’), Maggie Graham, Danielle Colaprico; Messiah Bright (Barbara Olivieri 46’), Yazmeen Ryan
Substitutes not used: Jane Campbell, Evelina Duljan, Kiki Van Zanten, Sophie Schmidt, Rebeca

Total shots: 3
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 12
Offside: 3
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 1

Referees: Alyssa Nichols
Assistants: Tiffini Turpin, Melissa Gonzalez
Fourth Official: Yannick Rothfuss
VAR: Mark Verso
Attendance: 6,841
Weather: 58 degrees and rainy