Ever since Megan Rapinoe retired, the Seattle Reign has had to find a way to replace her. Ultimately, the franchise had to make a decision. Do we still try to win now with this roster by signing experienced veterans, or do we elect to bring in young starlets to build for the future? The Reign strangely decided to do both in 2024. Laura Harvey kept the core of her roster together and added future teenage stars Jordyn Bugg and Emeri Adames to the squad. This led to some growing pains last year. The Reign finished second-to-last in the league, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017. So far, this year has been a different story, and it feels like Laura Harvey has righted the ship in Seattle. Let’s take a look at what’s different.
Creating Goal Scoring Chances
One major issue Seattle had was creating chances and scoring goals without Megan Rapinoe. Laura Harvey and the front office knew this issue had to be addressed, and it started with the unfortunate departure of Bethany Balcer. After trading her to Louisville, the team opened the door to acquire new attacking options.
Lynn Biyendolo was looking for a new home after a difference in opinion with Gotham, and Seattle did well to get one of the league’s most consistent attacking options. They didn’t stop there; their scouting department did a fantastic job identifying Maddie Dahlien. One of the top collegiate strikers out of North Carolina, Dahlien has already come into the team and made a significant impact for the Reign, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win in the Cascadia rivalry with Portland.
Locking It Down Defensively
When this team can get reliable scoring, they are a definitive playoff team with a chance to break into the Top 5 in the league standings. Defense has never been the issue. They currently are second in the league in goals allowed with six, and they’ve kept a clean sheet in half of their games. Lauren Barnes remains one of the league’s all-time great defenders and holds the record for most minutes played in league history. To say she’s done it all with the Reign is an understatement. Jordyn Bugg’s growth is happening rapidly; she’s also establishing herself as one of the league’s best defenders. Lastly, the goalkeeping between Claudia Dickey and Cassie Miller is solid.
Seattle’s defense-first strategy can be very effective. If they can stop one of the best offenses in the league, Kansas City, from scoring, they can do it to anyone. The sky is the limit for this team as long as they can score and pick up enough points. This style also lends itself to more draws; those extra points could be a factor in the standings at the end of the season.
The Beginning of Seattle Reign’s Resurgence
I have to eat my words on this–I had the Reign finishing last to start the season, and that’s looking dead wrong as of now. I must own up to it because the team chemistry, tactics, and mentality are back for Seattle.
Now, the other strikers on the team still need to step up, like Veronica Latsko and Ana Crnogorcevic. Both NWSL veterans must score at least 2-3 goals this year to support Biyendolo and Dahlien in attack. Laura Harvey has a reputation as one of the world’s best managers. If this team can sustain this play during a grueling season that will test their depth, they’ll be back again as one of the league’s premier franchises.
Featured image via Getty Images
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