Following an extended international break, the Seattle Reign triumphantly returned to Lumen Field, securing a decisive 2-0 victory against formidable rivals Angel City FC. This crucial match marked their first home game since late May, reigniting the fervor among the 10,117 fans in attendance and showcasing the team’s resilience and strategic prowess in the NWSL.
The opening half proved to be a challenging period for the Reign, as Angel City FC demonstrated early dominance, outshooting Seattle 5-2. Angel City’s forward, Alyssa Thompson, posed a significant threat with her powerful attempts, particularly a long-range shot in the 40th minute that tested the Reign’s backline. Despite Angel City’s initial intensity, the home side’s defense remained resolute, preventing any breaches of their goal.
Coach Laura Harvey implemented pivotal changes at halftime, introducing veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock in place of Ji So-yun. This tactical adjustment immediately infused new energy into the Seattle Reign’s offensive dynamics, shifting the momentum and allowing the team to assert greater control over the midfield. The strategic substitutions continued into the second half, further refining the attack.
The breakthrough came with a concerted effort that epitomized the Reign’s newfound attacking flow. Jess Fishlock initiated a transition play from midfield, culminating in Sofia Huerta’s precise cross into the box. Although Fishlock’s header and Coco Mondésir’s attempt were thwarted, the pressure led to an own goal by Angel City FC defender Alanna Kennedy, igniting celebrations among the Seattle Reign players and their supporters at Lumen Field.
Another significant moment in the second half was the NWSL debut of Mia Fishel, who entered the game in the 80th minute. Fishel’s highly anticipated appearance followed her blockbuster signing with the Seattle Reign last month, adding another potent attacking option to the squad. Her immediate involvement in the pivotal scoring sequence highlighted her potential impact on the team’s fortunes.
Throughout the match, the exceptional performance of Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet. Dickey made four critical saves in the first half alone, consistently frustrating Angel City’s forwards and ensuring that Seattle remained in contention despite the early pressure. Her composure and skill under duress were vital for the team’s defensive solidity.
This victory was particularly significant for the Seattle Reign (7-4-3), as they resumed NWSL play after a CBA-mandated break and hiatus for international competitions. Prior to this pause, the team had been on an impressive three-game unbeaten streak (2-0-1), all achieved on the road, demonstrating their consistent form across various venues.
Angel City FC (4-7-3) also returned to league action under new leadership, with Alexander Straus recently taking the helm as coach. Straus, who joined the team in June after a successful tenure with FC Bayern München Women, is working to implement his vision for the squad as they navigate the complexities of the NWSL season.
The Seattle Reign now look ahead to a highly anticipated Cascadia derby against the Portland Thorns FC, scheduled to take place at Providence Park. Seattle previously defeated their rivals 1-0 at Lumen Field in April, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter between these two fierce competitors in women’s soccer.
