Reign Take on Fast-Paced and Trending Spirit Squad

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Seattle Reign forward Jordyn Huitema dribbles against the San Diego Wave on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. (Jane Gershovich / Reign FC Communications) [/caption]

Not all draws are equal, and the Seattle Reign (7-5-6 W-L-D) have been an example of that principle. Last time out, Seattle held a tough San Diego squad scoreless, and two weeks ago, it rested key players in a 1-1 draw to Houston. Three weeks ago, the Reign blew a 3-0 lead to split the points with a middling Chicago side.

Head coach Laura Harvey had different reactions to all three games, but she has gotten happier with each passing week, considering the Reign technically overperformed against Houston and San Diego.

Seattle, the NWSL's fifth seed, will have a chance to make the all-time coaching wins leader very happy on Sunday, as the Reign travel to the nation's capital to take on a Washington Spirit squad (9-4-5) that is the second seed in the league.

The Spirit will present a new challenge, as they have a star-driven offense with a less-than-ideal defense that lends itself to dynamic and entertaining games.

How will Harvey's squad match up?

Previous Matchups

The last time these two met in late May, now-leading-scorer Emeri Adames was making her first start of the season.

It suffices to say that it's been a while for these two.

Nevertheless, it was an exciting matchup that saw Shae Holmes score her first goal for Seattle.

Unfortunately for the Reign, midfielder Croix Bethune netted what is still her only goal of the season on a close-quarters follow, while Ashley Hatch, Washington's leading scorer, netted the go-ahead score near the end of the first half on a subtle touch right in front of Seattle keeper Claudia Dickey.

Washington outshot Seattle 17-7 and dominated expected goals 2.3-0.7 as Seattle did its best to keep the damage to a 2-1 loss — only three Washington shots made it on target. Gift Monday led the game with five shots for Washington.

Seattle had a chance to score late as Jess Fishlock had a strong header in close saved by Washington keeper Aubrey Kingsbury in the 84th minute.

Considering the opportunity disparity, Washington only managed a 52% possession rate. Seattle crossed 17 balls to Washington's 13.

Washington Overview

Despite the dynamic nature of this team, the Spirit have lost just one match in their last 11 fixtures.

That said, the Spirit have drawn four of their last six matches and haven't looked dominant by any means.

Just like the Reign, Washington was foiled by a late Chicago goal by Brazilian star Ludmila to tie the struggling squad, and will be coming into this game looking for redemption.

The Spirit are the second-best offense in terms of goals scored behind the runaway favorites in Kansas City, and that engine is powered by opportunistic passing — Washington is one of three teams to average over an assist per game.

Hatch and Monday have combined for 11 scores for Washington this season, as each player finds creases at a high rate.

One big storyline has been the resurgence of USWNT star Trinity Rodman, who is ramping back up into shape after recovering from lingering back pain issues. She's played just nine games so far this season and has managed just one goal, but she's always a threat to score when healthy.

The Spirit have only seen a three-player backline from opponents twice this season, including the first matchup with Seattle. They won both.

Harvey has utilized formations with that pattern in all but one game since April, as Seattle and Washington are the top two teams in clearances in the NWSL.

On the other hand, Washington's 15 errors for the season lead the league, as Seattle will need to keep the pressure on to capitalize on the Spirit's issues in their own third. Washington's 25 goals allowed are in the middle of the pack in the NWSL.

Seattle Overview

The Reign really are a completely different team since these two met in May.

Seattle had 17 crosses in the loss, but now has more quality on the ball with all-time NWSL assist leader Sofia Huerta back from loan and Jess Fishlock netting five goal contributions in August.

Both made the NWSL XI of the month for August, while Jordyn Huitema has been herself as of late. The Canadian striker has two goals in her last five appearances, including a show-stopping bicycle kick against Chicago. Huitema is in far better form than the last time Seattle faced off against this squad, and the Reign will need her to force the issue to match Washington's frantic pace.

Seattle's defense has performed at the rate you'd expect from a relatively young unit, as the Reign are the third-worst team in opposing non-penalty expected goals this season.

Defender Phoebe McClernon has had her moments, but has been positive lately. Sally Menti played a strong game against San Diego last week, while Sam Meza looked like she belonged with three blocked shots and seven tackles. Madison Curry and Jordyn Bugg rounded out the shutout, as Curry intercepted three passes.

Seattle has allowed one goal in two games, but Washington will present a more dynamic challenge.

The Verdict

This is a tough stretch for Seattle, facing No. 3 and No. 2 just a week apart.

Like last week, a draw would be a positive result for the Reign, but it would likely come differently from last week's scoreless action. Expect the Spirit's passing to get the better of Seattle a few times for tough goals, but the key is in Huerta and Fishlock's ability to manage consistent service against a spotty Washington defense.

If Seattle can keep the xG disparity in check by generating better opportunities, a draw isn't crazy to expect.