Match Forecast: Reign FC Set to Square Off with Washington Spirit
On Sunday, September 7, Seattle Reign FC travels to Audi Field in Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Spirit in Week 19 of the NWSL regular season. With just five points separating the teams in the standings, both sides will be looking to pick up three points.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. PT at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on Paramount+, NWSL+, FOX 13+ in the Seattle area or internationally in select territories.
2025 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 7-5-6 (27 points, 5th place), Washington Spirit: 9-4-5 (32 points, 2nd place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – Seattle and Washington last met at Lumen Field on May 23, where the Reign narrowly fell 2-1. The visitors scored the opening goal of the match 11 minutes after putting heavy pressure on the Reign. Defender Casey Krueger received the ball at her feet after making a wide run and looped it into the box, where midfielder Croix Bethune barely got a touch on it to direct it into the back of the net. However, the Spirit were not in the lead for long, as defender Shae Holmes found her first professional goal to pull the Reign level with a powerful shot in the 17th minute of the match. In the end, Ashley Hatch scored the game-winning goal for Washington in the 35th minute.
In all NWSL competitions, the Reign have 14 wins, 11 losses and eight draws against the Spirit, with 48 goals scored compared to Washington’s 38.
2. SCOUTING WASHINGTON – The Spirit are currently in 2nd place in the NWSL standings with 32 points from 18 games. The team has earned nine wins, four losses and five draws.
Most recently, Washington took on Chicago Stars FC at Audi Field and drew 1-1. After a scoreless first half, Washington’s high press paid off as they opened the scoring in the 57th minute of the match. Trinity Rodman used her speed to bypass the defense and cross a ball near the endline. After a small touch, Sofia Cantore was able to control the ball and shoot it into the back of the net. However, Chicago found an equalizer when Ludmila picked up a sloppy pass and dribbled toward goal, finishing her one-on-one opportunity.
The Spirit are in strong form, entering the match with just one loss in their last 11 regular-season matches.
3. PUSHING FOR PLAYOFFS – After playing in front of a solid crowd at Lumen Field last Friday, the Reign once again hit the road. This season, Seattle has been stronger on the road than at home, losing just twice the entire season. In their last seven away matches, the Reign have just one loss. The team’s three road wins and three road draws put them just three away points shy of hitting 18 road points in a season – something the club has only achieved twice in its history.
This point of the season is critical for the Reign – and every NWSL team, as the 2025 playoffs approach. The Reign have consistently occupied a playoff position in the second half of the season and currently sit in the fifth place. Just one team has clinched a playoff spot with eight games left to play – the Kansas City Current, in first place with 46 points.
4. PLAYERS TO WATCH – Reign FC defenders Madison Curry and Sofia Huerta have been critical in the Reign’s lineup since the team returned to NWSL play. The two have both played in every match since the NWSL season resumed in August.
Last Friday, Curry fired off a dangerous shot just seven minutes into the match, in addition to serving up two crosses – the second most of any player on the team. She added two successful tackles and three clearances in her 81-minute performance. Similarly, Huerta led the team in crossing, with four throughout the match. She made one tackle, two interceptions and four clearances.
For Washington, the return of Trinity Rodman has turned heads, as well as the addition of Sofia Cantore. Rodman returned to the field in August and scored one goal, in her first match back from injury. She’s fired off 12 shots and continues to challenge opposing backlines as she combines with her teammates.
Cantore’s arrival to Washington also made waves. She has scored two goals since debuting for the Spirit on August 9, including one in the team’s most recent match, where she also put in her first 90-minute shift.