Match Forecast: Reign FC and San Diego Wave Square Off on Sunday
Seattle Reign FC plays another match at Lumen Field this Sunday, September 6 at 6:00 p.m. PT. After earning a hard-fought win in front of a home crowd last weekend, the Reign will look to pick up three more points as the club also celebrates Hello Kitty® Night.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. PT at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on ESPN 2 or get tickets to attend the match in person.
2026 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 9-8-4 (31 points, 8th place), San Diego Wave FC: 12-7-3 (39 points, 4th place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – The Reign and Wave last met in late July at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, where the Reign won 2-0. Seattle took the lead less than 20 minutes into the match, was Ainsley McCammon clipped a cross to Maddie Mercado. The Reign’s leading goalscorer made no mistakes as she headed the ball into the back of the net to take the lead. Three minutes later, the Reign doubled their lead from a corner kick. Sally Menti served the initial set piece across the box, and McCammon got her head on it to keep it in the mix, before Jordyn Bugg headed it across the goal line through the chaos.
Seattle and San Diego have met 14 times across all NWSL competitions. The Reign have scored 20 goals compared to San Diego’s seven and picked up a record of 10 wins, one loss and three draws.
2. SCOUTING SAN DIEGO – The Wave are currently in fourth place in the NWSL standings with eight points on the Reign.
Most recently, the Wave pieced together a 3-2 comeback win over Racing Louisville FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Louisville netted two first half goals, forcing San Diego to come out strong in the second half. Just two minutes into the half, the Wave began their comeback, led by a goal from Trinity Byars. Byars struck a second time, earning her second consecutive brace, before captain Kenza Dali, a second half substitute, scored the game-winner in the 80th minute.
3. WEST COAST SHOWDOWN – The Reign and San Diego have been west coast foes since the moment San Diego entered the league. So far, Seattle has 10 wins over the Wave and will look to continue that pattern. The Reign have won five of their six home matches against San Diego in all competitions, but the Wave earned their first point in Seattle last season, a scoreless draw in August 2025.
Since returning from the summer break, the Reign have been excellent, especially at Lumen Field. The team has been a threat in the attack since returning from break. In the club’s last 12 matches, the team has recorded at least one goal, the second-longest streak of regular-season games with a goal in club history and the longest streak in the NWSL this season.
4. PLAYERS TO WATCH – Reign FC midfielder Sam Meza returned to the starting lineup last weekend after missing time due to an injury and did not miss a beat. Her smart play in the center of the field will be critical as Seattle navigates absences due to the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
In addition, the Reign will be looking to get on board against a tough San Diego side, so Maddie Mercado’s ability to finish chances in front of goal will prove to be useful in the match.
For the Wave, Trinity Byars has notched braces in back-to-back appearances. She has kickstarted the scoring for her team in both appearances and has proven that she can change the tone of a match. Mimi Van Zanten has been a stalwart for San Diego, appearing in 22 matches. She leads the team in tackles and has added a goal and assist this season.