Match Forecast: Reign FC Returns to Lumen Field for first time in 2026
The Reign are set to make their long-awaited return to Lumen Field this Sunday, April 26 after starting the 2026 season with five matches away from Seattle. The squad will be looking to build on their 10-point start to the season as they take on Utah Royals FC.
KEY INFO
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PT at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on Victory+, 950 KJR AM or get tickets to see the match in person HERE.
2026 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 3-1-1 (10 points, 3rd place), Utah Royals FC: 2-2-1 (7 points, 7th place)
WHAT TO KNOW AHEAD OF THE MATCH
LAST MEETING
This match is the 15th all-time meeting between the two sides, including matches from the 2018-2020 Utah squad and the team that re-joined the league in 2024. The Reign have a firm grasp on the series, with nine wins, two losses and three draws across all NWSL competitions, including the regular season, Summer Cup, Challenge Cup and Fall Series.
In the last meeting between the two teams, the Reign were victorious in front of their final home crowd of the 2025 season. The match saw iconic Reign FC captain Lauren Barnes play her final match in Seattle as the Reign battled to a 2-1 victory.
The goals in the match were scored by Ainsley McCammon and Sofia Huerta, highlighting the range of experience on the Reign’s roster that has only increased since then. McCammon’s goal was the first of her NWSL career and since then, she’s only grown as a player. Utah grabbed a goal back to level the score in the 61st minute, as a solo effort from Paige Monaghan proved fruitful, but the Reign added another goal as Maddie Mercado drew a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. Huerta calmly stepped up and buried the spot kick to the left side of the net to secure a win for the Reign.
SCOUTING UTAH
Before going on the international break, Utah earned their first win at home and first clean sheet of the season. The 1-0 win against Chicago saw Mina Tanaka score the game-winning goal from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, which was enough to secure the win. Utah put high pressure on Chicago nearly the entire match and recorded 26 shots, 10 of which were on target. In total, the Royals have seven points on the season and two wins, with their other win coming against Boston Legacy FC at the end of March. Three players have scored goals for the Royals so far this season, recording two apiece – Tanaka, Lara Prasnikar and Tatum Milazzo.
HOME SWEET HOME
Seattle started the 2026 season with a difficult stretch of matches away from Lumen Field, traveling to Orlando and Portland, in addition to completing a three-game residency in Spokane, Washington as Lumen Field underwent renovations ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Despite the circumstances, the Reign pieced together a stunning start to the season, with three solid wins, a loss and a draw. Now, the team finally returns home and there is much to look forward to. Every team loves playing on their home field, backed by the passion of their biggest fans, but this one feels extra sweet.
To match on the on-field excitement, there will be plenty to do off the field leading into the match. The North Plaza of Lumen Field will feature a DJ and food trucks to get the party started as fans filter onto the concourse to take part in a series of fun activations, including a Trupanion Photo Booth, Paula's Choice Skincare Glow Zone, a special Q&A with Seattle Torrent players, including Hilary Knight and more! Learn more about what to expect at the match using Reign FC’s Know Before You Go page.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For the Reign, goalkeeper Claudia Dickey has been making waves as she continues to be one of the best shot stoppers in the league. Over the international break, she featured in two matches for the United States Women’s National Team, both of which were solid wins over a tough Japanese squad. In NWSL play, Dickey has amassed 20 saves in five matches – the second-most of all goalkeepers in the league.
Defender Sofia Huerta also continues to impress from her place in the backline and historically has been particularly good against Utah, recording seven career goal contributions against the team (five goals, two assists) in all competitions. All five of Huerta’s goals have been scored in front of a home crowd and she has netted a goal in each of her last two games against Utah.
For Utah, defender Kate Del Fava has played every single minute of the 2026 season. She’s the only field player to do so for Utah this season, just five matches in. A threat on both sides of the ball, she has the second-most tackles of any Royals players this season and has taken five shots, two of which were on target.
Tanaka is another obvious player to watch, as she has scored two goals in just three appearances for the Royals. She has recorded the third-most shots on the squad this season and appeared for Japan in all three matches against the United States over the international break.