On this day in Reign History: Reign FC plays its first NWSL match

On April 14, 2013, Seattle Reign FC traveled to Lisle, Illinois to play their first-ever NWSL match against Chicago Stars FC. One of the most thrilling matches of the NWSL’s opening weekend, the clubs battled to a 1-1 draw in front of a crowd of 1,255 fans.

Among the Reign’s starting lineup, as selected by head coach Laura Harvey, was NWSL legend and Reign FC’s only remaining original player, Jess Fishlock. The then 26-year-old up-and-coming Welsh star took her place in the midfield, immediately becoming a leader on the squad as she scored four goals in the inaugural season – the second-most on the team.

Even from the first match, the team’s budding identity was clear – grit and tenacity on full display. The club’s first-ever goal was scored just ten minutes into the action on the blustery day in Chicago.

A historic moment in club history, the team’s first goal came from pressing an opposition goal kick and winning possession high up the pitch. Liz Bogus swung a cross into the middle of the 18-yard box where Christine Nairn dove to get her head on the end of it and give Reign FC the lead – and score the club’s first-ever goal.

Chicago managed to pull a goal back before halftime as a loose clearance in the Reign’s defensive half of the field led to a quick combination play between Zakiya Bywaters, Ella Masar and Lori Chalupny, ending with a blazing volley into the back of the net from Chalupny.

A team touted for their defensive resilience to this day, the Reign saw the rest of the road challenge out, weathering 14 shots to pick up the club’s first NWSL point.

Though much has changed since 2013, the Reign’s core identity is something that has not, forged by club legends like Fishlock and carried forward by players past and present. Through every iteration of the NWSL, Seattle’s steadfast presence and gritty mindset propelled this club, league and women’s soccer forward.

The team is set to surge to new heights this season, backed by a solid 3-1-1 record to start the year. Don’t miss your chance to see them in person at Lumen Field on Sunday, April 26 against the Utah Royals as the NWSL returns to Seattle for the first time in 2026. Special ticket offers, single match tickets and season ticket memberships are all available now!