> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Analysis: Key Questions for Reign FC’s Offense Ahead of Season Restart vs. Courage - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/questions-seattle-reign-offense-season-restart-courage/ - Published: 2026-06-28T22:40:40.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T05:55:40.000Z - Author: Qasim Ali - Tags: Analysis, Reign, Laura Harvey, Maddie Dahlien, Emeri Adames, Sam Meza, Nerilia Mondesir, Mia Fishel \[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="4128"\] ![ Seattle Reign FC forward Maddie Dahlien (5) prepares to kick the ball during a regular season game. Credit: Seattle Reign FC/Jane Gershovich ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/credit-seattle-reign-fc-jane-gershovich_3--282-29-jpg-format-original.jpg) Seattle Reign FC forward Maddie Dahlien (5) prepares to kick the ball during a regular season game. Credit: Seattle Reign FC/Jane Gershovich \[/caption\] The Seattle Reign came into 2026 looking to build on a leap from 13th to 5th in 2025\. They've taken a free fall backwards thus far, sitting at 4-5-2 during this international break to occupy 10th place midway through the season. Maybe the June international break came at a good time for Seattle, as the team got a few weeks away to see something other than demoralizing results. But the time for recouperation is over, as the Reign are back to action at the 5-3-3 North Carolina Courage on July 4\. A road date may be better for the Reign to come back to, as they're currently 0-3-0 at their home Lumen Field and truly look more lethal away from Seattle this season. That said, the Reign's offense has been among the worst in the league regardless of where they've played, as they are just one of four squads to average less than a goal per 90 minutes. So when Seattle takes the pitch next, there will be a few questions to answer before fans can truly regain confidence in their team. ### Can Seattle's Wings Wake Up? As we've established earlier in this CBA break, the trend around teams succeeding in this league is not individual players taking over and singlehandedly carrying the offense. Seattle is structured, instead to have multiple players stand out in chance generation, with the obvious young threats of Maddie Dahlien and Emeri Adames. Despite the acclaim each sub-22-year-old player generated last season in scoring the ball, they've combined for one goal contribution despite being active dribblers trying to generate looks. This isn't an elite NC defense, as the Courage rank middle of the pack in goals allowed. More interestingly, 10 of their 13 goals allowed have come in the first half, as Seattle will seemingly have its best chance to score early in this one. Still, the Courage tend to overperform their xG, and having a new national team keeper in Canada's Kailen Sheridan has helped in that regard. Though her save rate is below average for her career thus far, Sheridan presents as a keeper that Seattle shouldn't count on to slip up - the Reign will need to earn goals on the road. What better way to earn those goals than creation from Seattle's star wings? ### Does Sam Meza Impact this Offense More? Sam Meza has been a defending midfielder with an exponential growth pattern. From being loaned out to a lower league to now earning USWNT call-ups consistently, Meza's dueling ability has made her an indispensable piece for Harvey in 2026. But what's piqued the interest of the Reign coaching staff and fans alike has been Meza's willingness to get involved in Seattle's offensive build this season. She led the Dallas Trinity in shots during her time on loan there two seasons ago, and has experience playing the 10 in youth settings. Needless to say, she's comfortable with the ball at her feet in an attacking setting. Considering how she always appears to be playing at a different pace than her opponents, urging Meza into the attack in this first game back could be the x-factor Seattle needs to get that key first goal. ### Was Mondesir's Breakout Just a Statistical Blip? When Nérilia "Coco" Mondesir and vet Jess Fishlock were manning the midfield early this season, they stood out as the most unstoppable dribblers on the pitch. In the opener at Orlando, Mondesir was the most dynamic attacker with two assists generated by slick attacking. Add a goal in Spokane against Racing Louisville in March, and her three goal contributions this season top any of her other two years in Seattle. But since that early stretch since March, she hasn't been quite as dynamic as a dribbler. On a team with multiple potential engines, the 27-year-old Haiti national is one of few veteran talents who can bring this offense back from the brink. Typically known as a physical midfield presence, who ranks in the 97th percentile in defensive contributions for attacking midfielders/wingers per FotMob, Mondesir's dribbling ability is what Seattle needs right now. ### Who Will Bring the Necessary Amount of Selfishness? Selfishness isn't a bad word for the Reign. In fact, it's what this offense needs. Individual efforts from the likes of Maddie Mercado and Jess Fishlock to capitalize on their moments have been when Seattle has looked its best. On the other end of the spectrum is the 2-0 loss at Portland against a nine-player opponent, where Seattle refused to take chances and crossed too many hopeful balls into a loaded box. General manager Lesle Gallimore wasn't delusional when she doubled down on this roster by failing to add any meaningful attacking pieces outside of veteran finisher Brittany Ratcliffe. But midway through the season, the pressure is mounting on the players to prove their management correct and show their quality in individual moments. Harvey will always be a coach that prioritizes defense, so don't expect the winningest coach in league history to bail an inept offense out with genius changes. Besides these issues aren't tactical, as coaches and players alike have reiterated this season. It comes down to young players being willing to put themselves in position to make plays, and being willing to lose the ball without delivering a cross in. If the Reign, including a scoreless striker in Mia Fishel, can unlock that confidence in the second half, finishing fifth for a second straight season is very possible. Being aggressive in this fashion can open Seattle up to the counterattack, something Harvey and co. vehemently oppose. But with smart and willing defenders like Meza, Jordyn Bugg, Sofia Huerta and Phoebe McClernon patrolling, the Reign have to take that risk if this offense is to find a consistent rhythm.