The Seattle Reign absolutely clamped down on the Chicago Stars yesterday, pulling off a dominant 3-1 victory where they limited Chicago to a single shot all game. Maddie Mercado was electric, notching two goals, including her team-leading tenth of the season, showing everyone the Emerald City’s squad means business.
Mercado’s Masterclass and Reign’s Defensive Clampdown
The visiting Seattle Reign put on a clinic against the Stars, controlling 60% of possession and making life impossible for Chicago’s offense, allowing them just one shot on goal. Maddie Mercado kicked off the scoring for Seattle in the 38th minute, chesting down a brilliant lofted pass from Jess Fishlock over Chicago’s back line before volleying it straight past goalkeeper Halle Mackiewicz. Talk about composure!
The Reign kept pressing, and Nérilia Mondésir doubled Seattle’s lead in the 80th minute, converting Sofia Huerta’s perfectly placed cross. But Mercado wasn’t done yet. Just four minutes later, she bagged her team-leading tenth goal of the season, heading Brittany Ratcliffe’s cross into the bottom left corner. Ratcliffe herself created that golden opportunity, intercepting a goal kick that Chicago defender Nádia Gomes failed to control. This team is finding ways to make it happen, both offensively and by capitalizing on opponent mistakes. Chicago’s Simone Charley did manage to score a late consolation goal in the final minute of regulation, running onto a long ball from Maitane, beating Seattle’s defenders, and firing a shot past our keeper Claudia Dickey. But by then, the 3-1 victory for the Reign (now 13-11-4) was well in hand, leaving the Stars (5-21-2) with little to show for it.
Around the League: Other NWSL Action
In other National Women’s Soccer League matches, the Orlando Pride edged out the Houston Dash 2-1. Luana opened the scoring on a penalty kick in the 16th minute, and Solai Washington doubled Orlando’s lead in the 31st. Houston’s Danielle Colaprico managed to cut the deficit after halftime, but Orlando held on for the win.
Meanwhile, the Portland Thorns played Bay FC to a thrilling 2-2 draw. Rookie Caiya Hanks scored with less than four minutes remaining in regulation, collecting the rebound of her own blocked shot to pull the Thorns even after Bay FC had taken a 2-1 lead in the 67th minute. Morgan Weaver opened the scoring for Portland in the 10th minute, while Kennedy Fuller and Caroline Conti netted for Bay FC, with Karlie Lema assisting on both of Bay FC’s goals.
This dominant 3-1 win against the Stars, especially with such a stifling defensive performance, is exactly what the Reign needed as the regular season winds down. Maddie Mercado hitting double-digit goals is huge, and the defense looking this locked in means they’re peaking at the right time. We’re talking about a team that’s finding its groove when it matters most, and that’s something to get hyped about for the Emerald City as we look ahead!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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