Seattle Reign fans may have been despairing after last NWSL season’s less than stellar finish in second to last place. However, things may be looking up for the club. With major signings during the offseason and a quality performance in preseason games at the Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI), the Reign could be a club to look out for as the NWSL starts in a few short weeks.
The club knew changes had to be made after last season’s performance. Head coach Laura Harvey stated in an end of season press conference that part of the team’s struggle was the 14 new players that joined the Reign at the beginning of the season. She stated that there was a lot they could reflect on and grow from in the offseason.
Organizationally, the Reign and Seattle Sounders have announced restructuring and new hiring in order to grow both clubs and improve the fan experience. These changes also come ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup and next year’s FIFA World Cup, where Seattle will host games in both events. The clubs hope to capitalize on these tournaments to help grow the popularity of soccer in the United States. The Reign have also hired a new assistant coach, Lee Ngyuen, who comes with four years of experience in coaching in the NWSL.
As with any offseason, the roster saw many changes with players joining and departing the club. Jess Fishlock and Lauren Barnes were both re-signed, making them the only players in the NWSL who have been with the same team since the founding of the league in 2013. The Reign also signed rookies Maddie Dahlien and Emily Mason.
The most exciting signing, however, was undoubtedly Lynn Biyendolo. Biyendolo was a part of the 2024 Women’s Soccer Olympic Gold-winning team, and is also the NWSL’s leading goal scorer with 80 goals to her name. With the Reign struggling in scoring goals in the previous season, signing Biyendolo will hopefully help the team be more successful in this year’s season.
Biyendolo already seems to be making a difference, as she scored the lone goal in the Reign’s 1-0 win against Bay FC in their first game of the CVI. Biyendolo showed her ability to break down the defensive line and stretch the field. Harvey and Barnes commented after the Reign’s first official practice that Biyendolo fills an important gap on the roster, and this game confirms how essential this signing was.
With this being a preseason game, Harvey made lots of rotations and much of the roster got a chance to be on the field. Other players who put out solid performances were rookie Mason, new signing from Angel City FC Madison Curry, and defender Jordyn Bugg.
The Reign’s second and final game of the CVI against Angel City looked a little different, as six players were away on international duty, including Biyendolo. Despite this, the Reign were able to keep Angel City to a 1-1 draw, giving them an undefeated record in their preseason matches. With six international players gone, those who were not subbed in the previous game were given a chance to shine. Dahlien was the Reign’s goal scorer for this game after she stole the ball at half and dribbled up the field to finish. Harvey again made lots of changes to make sure everyone on the bench got a chance to show what they could do.
With the CVI matches completed, the Reign are now gearing up for the start of the NWSL season in March. Before their first match, the Reign will be playing an exhibition match against the University of Washington’s women’s soccer team March 8. The first game of the season and home opener will be against NJ/NY Gotham FC March 15 at Lumen Field. For anyone looking to support women’s sports in Seattle, you won’t want to miss it.
