Reign FC picks up important midweek win, backed by solid Spokane crowd
After two consecutive matches on the road to open the 2026 season, Seattle Reign FC were finally back in the Evergreen State against the Kansas City Current – and they made a strong statement in the city of Spokane.
Though this was the team’s first time ever playing a match on the east side of Washington, they felt right at home in ONE Spokane Stadium, the stomping grounds of the Spokane Zephyr and Velocity. The intimate venue provided the electric energy the Reign needed to perform in the match, as evident by the 3-0 scoreline against the 2025 NWSL Shield winners.
“It was fun,” said defender Sofia Huerta, who had two assists in the match. “The stadium was nice. A small, intimate stadium is always different from what we're used to, because Lumen's obviously a bigger stadium. I would say we had a pretty good time tonight.”
The match truly highlighted the depth of the Reign’s roster, as it featured three different goalscorers in Angharad James-Turner, Brittany Ratcliffe and Maddie Mercado. Ratcliffe notched her second goal of the season, while James-Turner and Mercado earned their first to propel Seattle to a much-needed victory.
The match featured an additional milestone moment as Claudia Dickey, Reign FC’s stalwart in the net, earned her record-breaking 14th regular-season shutout, taking hold of the Reign FC record. A longtime coming, the 26-year-old goalkeeper continues to impress on the pitch as she helps to guide the team to success.
“We've been away so much that this kind of felt like it was going to feel like an away game in terms of like not knowing how many fans we were going to get, the stadium's different and we don't get to sleep in our beds. But we go out there tonight and we perform like that, credit to all of us, especially after last Friday,” said Dickey”
She continued, “Obviously, the fans that did come out and we’re so appreciative of all that. I think it made it feel like it was a home game, even though all of us kind of were a little nervous about that going in.”
The Reign played with a level of patience and quality that fans had only seen a glimpse of up until this point in the season. Aside from scoring three goals on strong Kansas City side, the Reign’s second half performance was a mature masterclass in seeing a game out after a solid first half.
A truly rounded performance, Seattle was solid on both sides of the ball, out possessing the Current the entire match, in addition to recording 15 shots, 18 interceptions and 19 tackles.
“It was the first time I'd been to the stadium, so it had a little bit of nostalgia feel to me. I know it's new, but it's been quite intimate, the field being a little smaller. I actually loved that. It was great. The first half performance was fantastic. Very, very proud of the group. And then in the second half to see the game out without really been troubled too much until right at the end,” said Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey.
With two matches left in the Lilac City, the Reign will be looking to build off this momentum, both on and off the field. The festivities continue in Spokane, with an exciting Reign Rally at Flatstick Pub on Friday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. PT. Fans can expect to hear from Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore as host for the evening, with appearances from Reign players and alumni in a live Q&A session.
Those who attend the event can also expect ticket giveaways, chances to win signed merchandise and other exciting prize – a perfect lead in to the Reign’s match against Racing Louisville FC on Saturday, March 28. To close out their Spokane residency, the Reign take on NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC on April 4. Tickets to both matches are on sale now, including a special 21+ ticket offer.