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The Seattle Reign FC celebrate during their 2-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, March 22. Credit: Reign FC/Instagram [/caption]

No Jordyn Huitema, No Problem

In a bold move in just the second game of the season, head coach Laura Harvey decided to go with the less proven Madison Mercado as the No. 9 in the game against North Carolina, and it proved to be the right decision. There seemed to be much more cohesion between the midfield and forwards as an “attack by committee” approach which provided many more scoring chances for the likes of Jess Fishlock and the wingers, resulting in Fishlock’s goal to put Seattle ahead in the 35th minute.

This is less an indictment on the rising Reign FC star and more a litmus test on what type of forward works better in Laura Harvey’s system. When Huitema plays, she demands attention from both the opposing defense and also her own teammates. Poaching forwards like Huitema thrive on constant service and a volume of chances created where they can make the most of those chances more often than not. With a more versatile forward that can drift wide, connect with the midfield and affect the game in more ways than just scoring, that relies on a full team scoring approach. It seems after two games, that is what is more comfortable, at least for now, for Seattle to get their offense.

Claudia Dickey Comes Up Huge Late

One of the big issues last year for Seattle was on the back end — conceding too often to keep themselves in games. While that is hardly the fault of the goalkeeper, far too many times Seattle would need big saves and they wouldn’t come. The offense was the main story in this game, getting the visitors out to a 2-0 lead. North Carolina would get one back and continue to push for the equalizer late. Behind a very young back line, Dickey was called upon many times to come up with big saves on some big chances to keep the lead and avoid giving up a two-goal lead, and she delivered.

Claudia Dickey comes up with a huge save! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/hcqK9B7rhl— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2025

Questions were asked about who the starting goalkeeper would be when Seattle acquired Cassie Miller in the Lynn Biyendolo trade, as she has starting experience. Laura Harvey seems to have put a vote of confidence in the incumbent, starting the first two games and only conceding one in each of those matches — a good recipe for success if those defensive numbers continue.

Jess Fishlock Scores in her 200th Appearance

The Reign FC captain and veteran marked her 200th appearance as a member of Reign FC with a quality finish on a great team move in the 35th minute, a perfect encapsulation of what she has provided for six-plus seasons in Seattle.

.@JessFishlock in her 200th match! Let's GO! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/HJMPOxUb28— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) March 22, 2025

200 matches is quite an honorable accomplishment for the Welsh midfielder. It shows consistency, quality, dedication and adaptability. A huge part of what makes her so invaluable to the team is her leadership, setting the example for an increasingly young squad on how to be a professional footballer at the highest level. The coaching staff also clearly trusts her, naming her captain. In soccer, that’s a huge role to be the heartbeat emotionally of the team when it comes to responding to adversity, setting an example and more.

Jordyn Bugg’s Winner an Early Candidate for Goal of the Year

From one end of the experience spectrum to the other, 18-year-old Jordyn Bugg, who has brought much-needed defensive stability to the back line for Seattle this year, found herself pouncing on a loose ball about 40 yards from goal with a little space and decided to go for glory. She made the most of her opportunity.

WHAT A STRIKE BY JORDYN BUGG‼️😱 pic.twitter.com/4o85V6SQHn— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) March 23, 2025

An unbelievable strike from the youngster who has now impressed at both ends of the pitch, and that goal would stand as the game-winner in a much-needed road victory for Seattle. Especially with the absence of Lynn Biyendolo to start the season, Seattle will need to find scoring in different parts of the lineup. When it comes from your 18-year-old center back, that will play a huge part in Seattle rebounding this year.