After a three-goal performance against Chicago Stars FC, Seattle Reign FC hits the road once again to take on Utah Royals FC this Friday, October 23. In the final stretch of the season, the Reign will look to build off the momentum from the Chicago match and pick up as many points as possible as they fight to stay above the playoff line.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. PT at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on NWSL+.
2026 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 13-11-4 (43 points, 8th place), Utah Royals FC: 14-10-4 (46 points, 6th place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – The Reign and Royals last met all the way back in April at Lumen Field, where the Reign. suffered a 3-0 defeat. The match was the club’s 2026 Lumen Field Home Opener, but first half strikes from Paige Cronin, Narumi Miura and Cloé Lacasse saw the visitors take hold of the match.
Since Utah began play, the Reign have two regular seasons wins against them, both coming in 2025.
2. SCOUTING UTAH – Utah fell 2-0 in their last outing against the Kansas City Current. A back-and-forth affair from the opening whistle, it was the Current who opened the scoring in the 21st minute on a set piece, as Haley Hopkins headed home a corner kick. Utah fought back into the match and kept KC from scoring another goal until the first minute of stoppage time, as Temwa Chawinga used her speed to cut through Utah’s defensive efforts and square a ball to Hopkins, who once against finished.
Prior to the loss, Utah were undefeated in two matches, drawing 1-1 with Racing Louisville and defeating the North Carolina Courage 2-1.
3. CLINCHING SCENARIOS – Both Seattle Reign FC and Utah Royals FC are fighting for their spot in the NWSL playoffs and could clinch this weekend with a positive result. With very little wiggle room in the table, it is critical to get maximum points from this match. A win would see Seattle clinch a playoff spot, with some help from their rivals to the south. Here’s how the Reign can qualify for the playoffs on Friday:
Reign FC WIN + Portland Thorns WIN
4. PLAYERS TO WATCH – Reign FC forward Maddie Mercado got back on the scoresheet last weekend against Chicago not once, but twice. She has now reached double digit goals this season and shows no signs of slowing down.
Another player to watch on the Reign roster is veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock, who dominated the midfield in the Reign’s win over Chicago. She also generated several chances against Utah last time the two teams met, before she was subbed off the pitch due to injury.
For Utah, captain Paige Cronin has been a stalwart for the team this season, playing in 19 matches. She has scored two goals and added one assist, in addition to contrubiting defensively for her team.
Cloé Lacasse, a player who scored in the last meeting between Utah and Seattle, is a clear offensive threat for Utah, as she has netted the second-most goals of anyone on their roster (8) and added 10 assists. She’s the only player on the Royals to reach double digit assists so far this season.