Mondesir Claims First Two Assists in Standout Start to 2026
Nerilia Mondesir is making waves as the 2026 NWSL kicks off.
The first-ever Haitian born player in the NWSL had a big preseason, not only exercising her mutual contract option to stay in Seattle through the 2027 season but repeatedly getting on the scoresheet in the friendlies.
She has taken noticeable strides in her play, building off the foundation she crafted diligently during the 2024 and 2025 NWSL seasons. She showed warning signs in 2025, as she racked up over 20 appearances and became a consistent performer in the Reign’s attack.
Now, the 27-year-old has made her mark, just one match into the 2026 season. She had a head-turning performance against the Orlando Pride, on their home field. Battling through a lengthy weather delay, Mondesir stayed locked in and put out her best performance yet for 90 minutes straight.
Her maturity and development were on full display, paired with the lethal energy she’s always brought to the table. Her hard work was repaid with her name splashed across the scoresheet.
Mondesir earned her first-ever NWSL assist on the opening goal of the night, providing just a glimpse of the threat she poses to opponents. A testament to her increased composure on the ball, she received a pass from Sam Meza in the middle of the field and opted to dribble it into the open pocket of space in front her, drawing in the attention of Orlando’s defense. She then saw her opportunity, quickly slicing the ball through the backline, into the feet of veteran Jess Fishlock.
It was all too easy for Fishlock to dribble into the box, beat the surrounding Orlando players and find the back of the net to give the Reign a 1-0 lead on the road.
"I was here when she first got here and just to see her growth over the past year or so has been phenomenal. Coco is someone who never complains. She just kind of puts her head down and does the work and does whatever it takes to get better,” said Reign FC defender Ryanne Brown.
“To see her go out and have such an impact on the game, it was really special to see and I'm super excited for her and I think this is going to be a huge year for her.”
It would have been easy for Mondesir to settle into the match and get comfortable with one assist – but that wasn’t the case. She continued to spin her defenders on the right side of the field, leaving them guessing about her next move. She took on the most duels of any Reign players in the match (15), made the most interceptions (3) and drew the most fouls (3).
Though Orlando equalized in the second half, the Reign weren’t done fighting, spurred on by the likes on Mondesir, who led the team in passing in the final third. It all came down to the 83rd minute of the match, when Mondesir earned another assist to secure the Reign’s fate in Orlando. This time, her technical ability was the star of the show, as she perfectly placed a lofted ball into the box, right to the head of Brittany Ratcliffe.
“We didn't come out after the weather break the same as what we'd done in the first half, but credit to the players. They dug in, they showed some grit, they showed some personality. And then for us to see it out the way we did, I thought we did brilliantly. I'm just really, really proud of everybody.”
If you’re looking for an impact player – you've found her.
In a quick turnaround, Reign FC heads down I-5 to take on Portland Thorns FC on Friday, March 20 before playing a three-match series in Spokane, Washington. Fans can get tickets to those matches now!