Match Recap: Seattle Reign FC Earns Gritty Win Over Orlando to Open 2026 Season
Seattle Reign FC kicked off the 2026 NWSL campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Orlando Pride behind goals from Jess Fishlock and Brittany Ratcliffe, while Barbra Banda scored for the hosts.
Facing Orlando in a rematch of last year’s postseason clash, the Reign came surging out of the gates from the opening whistle. Ten seconds into the match, Fishlock laid a pass to Nerilia Mondesir, who threaded a perfect one-touch through ball into the path of Mia Fishel. Seattle’s No. 9 rounded Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse but was unable to steer a shot on target.
Two minutes later, another bit of combination play led to Mondesir firing a shot from the distance that just rose over the crossbar.
In the 15th minute, Fishlock spotted the run of Fishel and played her into the box with a quick reverse pass. Fishel quickly turned and fired a left-footed shot to the far post that forced Moorhouse into a full extension save.
The Reign’s persistence finally paid off in the 24th minute. Mondesir drew in two defenders before threading a pass into the feet of Fishlock. Seattle’s captain split both Orlando center backs with her first touch and confidently tucked her shot past Moorhouse for the 1-0 lead.
The Reign ramped up the pressure after going ahead, with Madison Curry and Fishlock forcing Moorhouse into a pair sprawling saves in the 30th minute. On the other side of the field, Orlando carved out a couple of quality chances in the final 15 minutes, only to be repelled by the Reign’s back line.
In the 31st minute, Banda broke through once again but was denied by a clutch reaction save from Claudia Dickey. Then in the 39th minute, Banda played a pass to a wide-open Lizbeth Ovalle. The Mexican international seemed destined to score, but Ainsley McCammon raced across the box to block her shot on target and preserve the 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Following a lengthy delay in play due to inclement weather in the area, the match resumed in the second half with Orlando on the front foot.
Banda found an equalizer for the hosts in the 51st minute, racing in behind the Reign’s back line and tucking her shot inside the far post to make it 1-1.
After sustaining a spell of pressure in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the Reign were able to bounce back and re-establish some control. Both teams traded possession for the next 20 minutes after Banda’s equalizer but struggled to translate that into clear-cut chances.
The Reign retook the lead in the 84th minute courtesy of the one of the newest players on the roster. NWSL veteran Brittany Ratcliffe entered as a substitute and quickly put her stamp on the match, heading home a pinpoint cross by Mondesir to take go up 2-1 on the road.
Next up, the Reign travel down to Portland, Oregon to take on the Thorns at Providence Park, quickly followed by a roadtrip over to Spokane, Washington for a three-match series at ONE Spokane Stadium. Fans can get tickets to see the Reign in action now!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CLASS IS PERMANENT: Fishlock, who began her 13th NWSL season on Sunday, picked up where she left off in 2026 with a decisive finish. In addition to her quality on the ball, she provided invaluable leadership and experience as she guided Reign’s roster of rising stars to gritty win on the road.
MONDESIR MAGIC: Named to the starting lineup after impressing in preseason, Mondesir rewarded Laura Harvey’s faith with the best performance of her Reign career. The electric winger assisted both goals and wreaked havoc on Orlando’s defense all evening.
INSTANT IMPACT: Making her debut with the Reign, Ratcliffe needed just eight minutes to score her first goal for her new club. It was a clever finish that showcased her undeniable quality. After handing Seattle the lead, her veteran presence on the pitch helped the team dictate the tempo and see out the match.