Five months ago, our Reign hit absolute rock bottom, getting shut out for the fifth straight game in a brutal 2-0 home loss to Gotham FC. The vibes were rotten, and we were all wondering what the hell was going on. Now, after a club-record 17-game scoring tear, that streak is gone, and our playoff fate is looking shaky once again. What gives, Emerald City? This team needs to figure it out, and fast.
The Etsy Witch Saved Us, Then What?
Remember that dark time, just five months back, when the team couldn’t buy a goal? Things were dire. That’s when our friends at The Cooler Guild took matters into their own hands, hiring an Etsy witch to bless the team and remove what felt like a full-blown scoring curse. And you know what? It worked! The Reign went on an unbelievable 17-game scoring spree, a new club record, pouring in 26 goals over that stretch. Spirits were lifted, the fans were buzzing, and it felt like we’d finally turned a corner, even though we never climbed higher than 7th place in the standings.
The magical streak kicked off on May 22, with Sofia Huerta burying a penalty in the 11th minute of our first-ever game against the Legacy. It was glorious. But then, it all came crashing down, symmetrically, with Jess Fishlock’s 64th-minute blast from distance, again against the Legacy. I mean, come on! Could we not have stretched that bad boy out a bit longer?
This streak was longer than our legendary 2014 run, which saw goals in 13 straight matches to start the season (after a single goal in the 2013 finale against Portland). That 2014 team racked up 30 goals, 11 wins, 2 draws, and just one loss during their streak. This year’s 17-game run, despite being lengthier, just didn’t feel as dominant, including six losses and a pretty meager 1-0 win against the abysmal Chicago Stars. Maybe we should’ve asked the Etsy witch for more than just “a goal.” How about “multiple goals and dominant wins every single game?” Just a thought.
Did We Miss Our Shot? Transfer Window Woes & Playoff Peril
It seemed like we were firmly in control of our own playoff destiny, until that stumble against North Carolina last week. Now, with the streak gone, the margin for error is GONE. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Looking back, maybe the team should’ve been way more aggressive in the summer transfer window. While other NWSL teams were making big moves, trading for players within the league or bringing in talent from overseas, the Reign opted for roster stability.
We did add Ivorian forward Ami Diallo, which was cool, but she hasn’t even played for the club yet. She’s still ramping up from her off-season and integrating with the team, trying to get up to speed in a tougher league. While I appreciate the long-term vision, when you’re battling for playoff spots, sometimes you need immediate game-changers. The opportunity was there to shuffle the deck, as many teams saw talent depart and made moves for the future. We prioritized stability, and it feels like we might be paying the price now.
Whatever the reasons for these recent wobbles, the fact is we’re right back on the brink. According to statistical models, our chances of making the playoffs are anywhere from a terrifying 28% (if you look at a static model) to a slightly less terrifying 51% (if you weigh recent form more heavily).
The margin for error is officially gone, Emerald City. With playoff chances ranging from a static 28% to a slightly more hopeful 51%, every single game from here on out is a must-win for our Reign. It’s time to dig deep, or we’re staying home. Let’s show the league what this team is made of when the pressure is truly on!
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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