Seattle Reign FC drew 0-0 at America First Field against Utah Royals FC in a high-stakes matchup. The scoreless draw means that Seattle will fight to clinch their spot in the 2026 NWSL Playoffs next Sunday, November 1 against the Orlando Pride at Lumen Field.
The match in Utah got off to a fast-paced start that saw the Royals getting into the attack from the first whistle. The Reign’s backline did well to handle each chance the home side attempted to generate though, keeping the match level.
In the eighth minute, Nerilia Mondesir, who grabbed her 11th start of the season, took the Reign’s first shot of the match, but it lacked the power needed to get by Mandy McGlynn in the net.
The Haitian international once again sparked an attacking opportunity for Seattle in the 13th minute, as she received the ball in the middle of the field and turned her defender to distribute a pass to Emeri Adames on the right side of the field. The speedy attacker got onto the end of it and fired a cross into the box, forcing Utah to concede a corner kick.
In the 25th minute, the Reign mounted a strong press against Utah, dispossessing the team in a great position. Maddie Mercado received the ball outside of the 18-yard box and sent it sailing toward the goal, but it went over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, Utah moved up the pitch and Cloé Lacasse took a shot at the Reign’s goal, but Ryanne Brown was there to stop it. The ball stayed in the area, eventually popping out to the feet of Narumi Miura who forced a fingertip save from Claudia Dickey.
Mondesir once again created a chance for the Reign in front of goal as she lofted a ball into the path of a running Mercado in the 35th minute, but McGlynn came out to snag it.
Just before halftime, Dickey was called on as Ana Tejada shifted the ball across her body into space in the center of the field and fired off a shot from distance, but Dickey did well to get just enough on it to keep it out of the back of the net.
The second half saw the Reign start on the front foot, energized by substitutes Sally Menti and Madison Curry. However, Utah quickly gained their footing and asked Seattle to defend until the 70th minute. Minutes later, substitute Brittany Ratcliffe served a low cross to Mercado, but the connection just missed
The Reign continued to search for a goal, but the final touch was missing. Sam Meza carried the ball up the field and had a go at goal, recording Seattle’s only shot on target, but McGlynn had it covered.
The match remained scoreless as the final whistle sounded, leaving the Reign all to play for on Decision Day.
UP NEXT: The Reign travel home to Seattle to close out the 2026 regular season against the Orlando Pride. This Decision Day matchup also marks the final regular season match of Jess Fishlock’s NWSL career. (SINGLE MATCH TICKETS | TICKET OFFERS | KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE)
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
CLEAN SHEET CLAUDIA: Dickey now has eight shutouts this season, marking her single-season career high, and 21 across her NWSL regular season career.
SOLID SAM: Sam Meza earned the Reign’s only shot on target in the match from her place in the midfield. She also won two tackles, made three interceptions and three clearances.
PLAYOFF PICTURE: With tonight’s draw, the Reign are unable to qualify for the 2026 NWSL Playoffs this weekend and similarly, are unable to be eliminated from playoff contention this weekend. They have everything to play for on Sunday, November 1 against the Orlando Pride.