Seattle Reign FC 2
University of Washington Huskies 1
March 6, 2024
Husky Soccer Stadium – Seattle, WA
NWSL Preseason
Seattle Reign FC are winding down their 2024 preseason preparations with two friendlies this week. The first was Wednesday evening in Seattle against local college opposition in the University of Washington Huskies. A second friendly will be closed doors this weekend in Portland against the rival Thorns.
photo credit Jane Gershovich/Seattle Reign FC
As part of their preparations, the Reign have already had camp in Costa Rica and moved into their new training digs at Starfire south of Seattle. The off-season roster changes are well documented and the new internationals are in camp with Lily Woodham and Angharad James from Wales and Ji So-Yun from Korea Republic.
A few players still remain on active international duty and will be rejoining the club soon, so the club roster appears set.
The college stadium in Seattle was an opportunity to preview the 2024 side to the local supporters. The Reign and Dawgs have played these preseason matches a number of times, with Bethany Balcer scoring a goal and introducing herself to Seattle in 2019 in the same setting for then Reign coach Vlatko Andonovski.
Washington and the Reign have an ongoing and deep connection. Current Reign GM Lesle Gallimore led the Husky program for over 25 years. Goalkeeper Hope Solo had played there. The current Reign roster includes Shae Holmes, Olivia Van der Jagt, and McKenzie Weinert.
Reign coach Laura Harvey took the opportunity to get new signings into the line up, with Ji and James in the starting eleven. Much will be made in 24 of the new signings given who they replace, but it was clear both fit into the style of play that the Reign have traditionally played. With Fishlock and Van der Jagt also in the line up, it did appear to be more of a 4-4-2 than the 4-3-3 of recent seasons.
Korean international Ji was right in the mix of the attack in the early stages, showing the attacking flair Chelsea fans would be familiar with.
The young Huskies would weather an early steady attack from the Reign. The 34th minute would see the Reign break through as Jessica Fishlock scored to make it one nil. Washington would manage to quickly level, as Jadyn Holdenried would blast a long range shot to the far post. The level at one scoreline would take the teams into the half.
Given it was a preseason friendly, wholesale line up changes for the Reign meant a significantly different side for the second half.
photo credit Jane Gershovich/Seattle Reign FC
The second half of the match continued to be a significant amount of Reign pressure and Husky team defense and counter. Eventually, the Reign would grab back the lead on an 80th minute penalty converted by Bethany Balcer.
The 2-1 scoreline and late penalty winner will generate much of the conversation, but the Reign controlled the tempo and possession throughout. Washington played well, mostly in their own half, and took their chance when they got it and nearly nabbed a fantastic result.
Reign coach Laura Harvey has a defense that can play the ball out and attack, a midfield with depth and the ability to hold possession, and options up front. 2024 should see Seattle vie for a playoff spot and be dangerous.
Husky head coach Nicole Van Dyke has a side that will be moving to the Big Ten next fall. The Huskies have a lot to look forward to in that transition.
2,173 fans braved a cold Seattle March evening and saw an entertaining match.
Seattle Reign FC will open the NWSL regular season on March 17 against the Washington Spirit at home in Seattle’s Lumen Field.
