> ## 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. # Takeaways from Reign FC's Opening Match Draw vs. Gotham FC - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/takeaways-reign-fc-opening-match-draw-gotham-fc/ - Published: 2025-03-17T23:56:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:21:02.000Z - Author: Corbin Smith - Tags: Reign, Emeri Adames, Jordyn Huitema, Madison Curry, Angharad James, So-Yun Ji, Jess Fishlock \[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="772"\] ![ Reign FC forward Emeri Adames celebrates after scoring a game-tying goal. Credit: Emeri Adames/Instagram ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/467401461_1106208811227510_3925288807343364971_n-format-original.jpg) Reign FC forward Emeri Adames celebrates after scoring a game-tying goal. Credit: Emeri Adames/Instagram \[/caption\] SEATTLE, Wash. - On a rainy March evening at Lumen Field on Saturday, the Seattle Reign opened a new season to a 1-1 draw against last season’s third place side in Gotham FC. While the visiting side had more time of possession and created more chances, the Reign held firm defensively and kept themselves in the game, giving themselves an opportunity to snatch the equalizer late and teenage sensation Emeri Adames made it happen off the bench. It is difficult to make sweeping declarations after one match in which Seattle’s biggest offseason acquisition was unavailable, but the opening match still gave a good opportunity to evaluate the rest of the roster against a quality opponent in Gotham FC. Key takeaways from Saturday’s home draw: ### **Emeri Adames may just be the real deal** While the 18-year old attacker didn’t start the game, head coach Laura Harvey placed a lot of faith in Adames as the game was in need of a spark. When the youngster was subbed on in the 69th minute, she immediately made an impact with a goal in the 71st minute. But it’s more than the goal that gives fans more excitement for what is to come. For a team that is in need of more dynamism, especially in attack, she does an excellent job getting involved in the game, and putting her stamp on the match. Whether it’s putting pressure on the opposition as they build out of the back, taking players on 1 on 1, or winning duels with players twice her age to get a scrappy equalizer, her skills will be needed throughout the season. ### **Seattle has to get more out of Jordyn Huitema** One of the big reasons Seattle struggled as much as they did last season was the fact they didn’t get much from their star forward, as Huitema only provided four goal involvements (three goals, one assist) in 18 appearances in 2024\. Without a clear replacement, unless Lynn Biyendolo moves to the striker position, Seattle seems to be relying heavily on more development from the 23-year old Canadian international. The hope is that Biyendolo will help unlock another level for the Reign forward, but Huitema struggled to get involved in the first game of the season. Being a strong aerial presence, Reign FC’s No. 9 definitely is someone that thrives on service from her playmakers, rather than creating those opportunities herself, so it remains to be seen whether Seattle can provide enough for her to experience that breakout campaign like most expect is coming. ### **Positive results for the new look defense** Another big reason for Seattle’s rough season in 2024 revolved around the struggles keeping the ball out of its own net, conceding a league-high 44 goals. That was clearly one of the main objectives from general manager Lesle Gallimore in the offseason, to get a younger, more athletic defense to stay in games even while getting outplayed. That is the exact scenario that played out on Saturday, as Gotham controlled most of the game and had more chances, but Seattle’s defense (and goalkeeper Claudia Dickey) held firm to give the Reign a chance to get Adames’ equalizing goal. This approach will do wonders in getting results that would have otherwise been difficult to achieve, and that is something Harvey can be positive about after the opening match. ### **The Midfield remains a big question mark** Coming into the season, the main area of the field that didn’t get significantly overhauled by the Reign was the middle of the field. Seattle clearly has confidence in the James-Ji-Fishlock partnership to connect that solid defense to an attack that needs more service. Early returns on that declaration were far from perfect after the game on Saturday against Gotham FC. Seattle struggled to keep up with the athleticism of NY/NJ’s midfield and the possession numbers showed an inability to keep the ball. The 38-year old Fishlock, 34-year old Ji, and 30-year old James stands as one of the older tandems in the league and while that could be a positive in many situations for a younger squad, the negative side of that is that when games become stretched and become back-and-forth affairs with chances at both ends, you’d bet on a more young/athletic midfield to thrive in those situations. ### **Madison Curry fits right in on her Reign FC debut** One of the reasons the defense has changed from a weakness to arguably a strength is the addition of second year outside back Madison Curry. After surprisingly making the roster at Angel City in her rookie year last year, due to injuries, she was relied on much more than expected, and thrived in that role. Seattle seemed to like what it saw from her, and snatched up the opportunity to sign the undrafted 24-year old to help shore up their back line. Someone who has the versatility to play both outside back and center back is incredibly valuable in today’s game, and she made a good first impression at right back going up against Gotham FC standout Jaelin Howell.