The Seattle Reign just did something special at Lumen Field, picking up their first-ever victory against Bay FC with a gritty 2-0 win. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, especially with the rain pouring down and the wet turf creating some serious nail-biting moments for us Seattle faithful, but the Reign absolutely battled through.
Early Pressure and a Goal Line Stand
Right from the jump, the Reign were on fire. This team’s calling card this year is starting hot, and they absolutely proved it again. For the first 30 minutes, it was all green and blue. They were controlling possession, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and just peppering the goal with shots. Maddie Mercado almost put us ahead, flashing a header wide from a 16th-minute set piece, then coming agonizingly close eight minutes later with a right-footed shot that skipped inches outside the far post. Sally Menti had a look from a set piece, Phoebe McClernon got her head on a corner, and Nérilia Mondésir blasted one just wide on a fast break. But then Bay FC found their footing. After that 30-minute mark, they had their best stretch, carving out some space through the middle. Rachael Kundananji got a shot off from the six-yard line in Cassie Miller’s penalty area in the 32nd minute, but Miller was a rock, keeping the game knotted at zeroes heading into halftime. Seriously, that save was clutch!
Huerta From The Spot, Ratcliffe Seals The Deal
Whatever was said at halftime, it worked. The Reign came out for the second half playing a more methodical game, and it paid off huge. The biggest moment dropped in the 50th minute: Mondésir, on a run, turned the corner on Jenna Nighswonger heading into the penalty area and got tripped battling off the endline. Referee Lauren Aldrich wasted zero time pointing to the penalty spot! A minute later, Sofia Huerta stepped up, cool as ice, and slotted the ball right past Jordan Silkowitz for the lead. That’s a lead the Reign absolutely refused to give up. Bay FC tried to stir up some chaos as the half went on, but they never really manufactured a clear-cut chance to tie it. Their best shot came in the 62nd minute when Claire Hutton ripped one from 25 yards out. That wet ball and turf made it move in some wild ways. Cassie Miller managed to push it off the post, but she was out of the play for the rebound. Cristiana Girelli charged the loose ball with an open net, but the weird bounce and fast turf made it tougher than it looked, and she sent it harmlessly into the stands. A series of substitutions helped the Reign take back control, and they nursed those minutes away. Then, two minutes into stoppage time, Brittany Ratcliffe found some space and zeroed in on goal, with Jordan Silkowitz charging out to try and cut off her angle, but Ratcliffe buried it to make it 2-0. What a finish!
That 2-0 score wasn’t just three points on the board, it was a massive statement. The Reign are finding their rhythm, showing incredible grit, and proving they can close out tough games under pressure. This team is building something real, Emerald City, and it’s exciting to watch. Get ready, because this team is just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Sounder at Heart.
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