Tensions and intensity high, the Seattle Reign FC’s game this past Friday, Oct. 17, embodied the essence of camaraderie. Highlighting retiring player and team captain Lauren (Lu) Barnes, the pregame ceremony reflected on her lifetime statistics, highlighting her many achievements.
Barnes joined the Reign in 2013, and holds the all-time NWSL records for appearances, minutes played and most games started. Serving as team captain since 2022, she’s often seen encouraging her teammates and working alongside them, rather than alone. Her spirit, integrity and leadership have been so influential on the team that the “Lu Barnes Award” was announced during this match, highlighting a player with leadership, integrity and excellence.
Last week’s game started with Utah pushing their offense to the max throughout the first half. This put Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey under pressure, but she refused to falter. With attempted goals as early as three minutes into the match, Utah’s strategy was apparent: to win. Although always the main objective, the Reign’s defense kept them at bay, ensuring minimal openings near the goal.
Mere seconds before the end of the first half, Reign’s Maddie Dahlien kicked a lofted pass which Ainsley McCammon headed into the goal, securing a halftime lead and her first NWSL goal at just 17 years old.
At the half, a few fans agreed that although the Reign’s defense was great, seeing the attacking side is always exciting.
“It’s been a mixed bag, I think that they’ve scored well, but it would be great to see more pressure on the offensive side,” Reign fan Josh McMullen said.
The second half was as if the Reign adopted McMullen’s strategy, attempting goals not even 10 minutes into the half. Utah’s Paige Monaghan was able to hit a kick right at the edge of the penalty box into the goal 15 minutes into the second half as well.
Now deadlocked in a draw, the Reign and Utah had to battle it out for the victory with another change in offensive strategy. Although the Reign had great player cohesiveness, to pull through with a win it had to be flawless.
In a stroke of luck, the Reign was awarded a penalty kick after Utah’s goalkeeper Bianca St-Georges tripped Reign’s Maddie Mercado, giving them an uninterrupted chance to score. Sofia Huerta was the pick for the kick, putting the Reign’s chance to break their tie and win in her hands.
As they say, “she shoots, she scores,” and the Reign were back in the lead, scoring their second goal of the night.
With a few minutes added for stoppage time, the Reign stayed confident. Rather than attempting to advance further, the team reverted to their previous plan of prioritizing defense.
The Reign secured a spot in the playoffs with their 2-1 victory over the Utah Royals. Finishing up their seventh undefeated game on home turf, they’ve moved up to third in the rankings. This is an immense improvement when compared to last season where the team finished second to last in the NWSL. When asked for their opinions, a few fans agreed that the Reign have been having a great season.
“I feel like we’ve grown so much from last season, we really took the time to build this team, and we’re so pumped about this year,” Reign fan Vi Adams said.
Another Reign fan is looking forward to seeing the team compete in the playoffs.
“They have a good chance here on home field, and making playoffs, which is awesome,” Reign fan Dana McMullen said.
For both fans and players, Friday night was more than just a match. It was a moment that captured the essence of the Reign: teamwork, tenacity and the lasting influence of Barnes. As they head into the playoffs, that same spirit will carry them to the very end, staying positive no matter the result.
