The Seattle Reign suffered another late-game defeat to the Washington Spirit, conceding a winning goal in the 81st minute. Despite a balanced game that saw the Reign equalize with a bit of luck in the first half, defensive lapses and unforced errors ultimately cost them the match. Hal Hershfelt’s deflected strike sealed the Reign’s fate, marking the second consecutive match lost to the Spirit in similar fashion. The Reign showcased moments of promise, particularly in the second half, but failed to capitalize on their chances as they enter a break from matches.

By the Numbers
  • Washington took the lead in the 18th minute with a goal from Leicy Santos.
  • The Reign scored through a 45th-minute own goal by Lucia Di Guglielmo that made the game even.
Yes, But

The Reign played well for most of the match and effectively neutralized key players of the Spirit, but repeated defensive errors in the final minutes led to their demise. Head coach Laura Harvey acknowledged the quality of their opponent while expressing disappointment in not securing points despite a favorable performance.

State of Play
  • The Reign produced a strong performance for the first 75 minutes but struggled defensively as the match progressed.
  • They enter a break after two consecutive losses to the Spirit, with a need to reflect on roster improvements.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Reign will regroup and evaluate potential roster enhancements, with a focus on returning key players Jess Fishlock and Lynn Biyendolo. Their next match is scheduled for July 4th against the North Carolina Courage.

Bottom Line

The Reign's recent defeats highlight the need for defensive consistency throughout the full match duration. While their attacking play shows promise, addressing late-game lapses is crucial as they strive for improved results in the NWSL.