Reign Prepares for Thorns Grudge Match with Standings on the Line
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The Seattle Reign celebrate during a game against the Portland Thorns on April 18, 2025 at Lumen Field. (Seattle Reign FC / Jane Gershovich) [/caption]
If last week's win over 2-0 win over Angel City FC was Seattle Reign FC's return to NWSL play, Sunday's tilt at heated rival Portland Thorns FC will likely feel like a whole new level of intensity in the NWSL's first Rivalry Weekend
The Reign (7-4-3 W-L-D) and Thorns (6-4-4) have faced one another 42 times - more than any two franchises in the league. The Cascadia Rivalry is cut straight down the middle, as each squad has won 16 games. Seattle is fifth in the league table with 24 points while Portland sits in sixth with 22 - meaning Portland could leapfrog Seattle with a win.
Reign midfielder Sally Menti is from Seattle and played the University of Portland routinely as a collegiate player at Santa Clara. The feud largely goes without saying.
"It was always kind of an unspoken rivalry that we didn't have to talk about to know," Menti said. "Not that any of my (collegiate) teammates felt the same, but it was always like, I want to beat Portland. I want to crush Portland."
With the temperature expected to be around 90 degrees and humid at kickoff in Portland, there will be no shortage of heat in Sunday's grudge match.
Season Matchups
If July 26's friendly between the two sides at Providence Park, which ended in a 5-4 shootout after a scoreless regulation period, is a sign of what's to come, fans are in for another tight matchup. That close friendly saw Reign keeper Claudia Dickey pick up two saves in penalties to put Portland away.
The Reign and Thorns faced off once this season at Lumen Field, where Seattle took a 1-0 win off Maddie Dahlien's first NWSL goal. Her strike to the bottom right corner came just four minutes into the game, as these two defense-oriented teams clashed. Portland won possession (54.3 percent), corners (7-0) and shots (13-9).
But Portland aimed high multiple times in stoppage time, hitting the crossbar with chances to equalize as Dickey registered four saves in the win. In the end, Seattle put five shots on goal to Portland's four to edge the win out. Portland also picked up three yellows on a frustrating offensive night.
Expect more offensive frustration, as Seattle and Portland have allowed the third and fourth fewest goals in the league this season, respectively.
Reign Update
Dahlien has scored twice more and grown as a young player since April's win, as has this Reign squad.
Seattle, on a four-game unbeaten streak, recently got Sofia Huerta back from a 10-month loan. This offense has to be wondering what they ever did without her.
Huerta had two goals in a friendly against Urawa in July, but last week's win over Angel City showed what the veteran defender can bring to this offense. Huerta constantly pressured LA with accurate crosses from the right side and from the corners - one of which led to a Jess Fishlock goal to go ahead.
Another week of preparation also means another week to unlock Chelsea signee Mia Fishel. Fishel logged just three touches in 10 minutes after subbing on late, but dazzled fans with some fancy footwork at the center mid position. Fishel could be the next big thing for Seattle's offense, and supporters wouldn't have her breakout game come against any foe other than Portland.
But for now, Reign skipper Laura Harvey is focused on easing the young talent into the flow of things.
"This whole journey with Mia, this isn't something that she needs to smash through the door and be 90-minutes available right now, I just think it's unrealistic with the journey she's been on," Harvey said. "We're grateful for her right now and the more we can build her up … the better it will be for us long term and short term."
Thorns Overview
The Thorns are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit and are 3-2-0 in their last five.
It was a heartbreaker for Portland, which watched Trinity Rodman score an emotional winner in the final minutes in her return from injury. It was also just the third time Portland has allowed multiple goals in a game this season.
Portland's midfield is what drives this squad, as 19-year-old Olivia Moultrie leads the Thorns with 39 progressive carries has 63 progressive passes. Her service ability will be crucial to Portland's chances of avoiding another shutout against their rivals.
Running alongside Moultrie is Sam Coffey, whose 76 progressive passes lead the squad. Defender Reyna Reyes (61 progressive passes) and midfielder Hina Sugita (55 progressive passes) round out an excellent passing Porland squad. Midfielder Jessie Fleming (30 progressive passes received) has been a solid sub, but has started the last three games for Portland.
"They've got excellent midfielders, all international players, no matter what combination they play between those four midfielders… the four of them are what make Portland tick," Harvey said of the deep group.
In the attack, 22-year-old forward Reilyn Turner has been a problem. With a team-leading four goals and just under six expected goals despite playing under 1,000 minutes this season, Seattle will need to be weary of her impact. The young forward has received a team-high 57 progressive passes, as she'll be looking to make the most out of Portland's strong midfield.
In the net will likely be Bella Bixby, who, along with Portland's solid defense, has allowed four goals with 17 saves in seven starts. Portland is 4-2-1 with Bixby. Bixby has split reps down the middle with fellow keeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Rivalry Renewed
Getting a win in Portland would go a long way toward the Reign's hopes of creating a gap in the standings. That being said, there's no need for added motivation when these squads clash.
