Maddie Mercado scored twice as Seattle Reign beat Chicago, securing three crucial points and moving back into playoff position. With two matches left, Seattle controls its own fate: win both and it’s in. Mercado has reached 10 goals, becoming the Reign’s first player to hit that mark since 2017.

By the Numbers
  • Mercado: 10 goals this season, with 2 matches remaining.
  • Seattle: 3 points from the win; 2 victories away from securing a playoff spot.
  • Mercado: 4 shots, 3 on target, and 2 goals against Chicago.
Yes, But

Chicago has struggled this season, so the result came against a weak opponent. Seattle also conceded a late goal, while several chances went unfinished. Still, the Reign got the win they needed—and Mercado’s record-setting form is a major bright spot.

State of Play
  • Seattle is back in playoff position and no longer needs other teams’ results to go its way.
  • Mercado’s brace led a strong team performance, with key contributions from the bench.
What's Next

The Reign close the regular season with two matches. Winning both would secure a playoff berth; a strong finish could also keep them in the hunt for fourth place.

Bottom Line

Seattle has put its playoff destiny in its own hands. The next step is simple: turn Mercado’s breakthrough season and this momentum into two more wins.