“She's our unsung hero”: Sam Meza notches second assist of the season in standout performance against Portland

One of the most dominant defensive midfielders in the National Women’s Soccer League, Reign FC’s Sam Meza shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to grow her game in Seattle.

Against Portland over the weekend, she propelled the team to a 2-0 victory, not only stonewalling the Thorns’ high-octane attack but also spurring on the Reign’s offense. Meza posted an impressive six tackles, 10 recoveries, one block and one interception as she shielded the back line in an instant classic.

The Dallas native has always been defensive stalwart on the team, but this season, she’s taken it a step further.

Touted as a determined and hardworking player from the moment she was drafted by the Reign in 2024, Meza has always been impressive defensively and this season is no different, as she once again leads the NWSL in tackles amongst all players. However, 2026 has brought a new and improved version of her game. The midfielder has locked in on elevating her game offensively – a feat that has not gone unnoticed by those around her.

“I honestly don't think Sam gets enough credit. She's a work horse in there. She's picking off balls left and right, and the two slide tackles that led to the goal? That's crazy,” said Reign FC defender Ryanne Brown. “She's huge for us and I'm glad she was able to get an assist out there.”

Meza's steep career trajectory saw her gain valuable experience on loan with Dallas Trinity before returning to the Reign and immediately stepping into the starting lineup – and staying there. Her skillset is robust, headlined by her ability to break up any play that comes her way.

“Sam is... it’s good she’s on our team,” laughed Reign FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller. "She gets stuck in all the time. She's our unsung hero, genuinely. She does that game in and game out, and she's consistent with it. So, thank goodness for her and the rest of our midfield too.”

In addition to solidifying her place on the pitch with Seattle, Meza achieved another noteworthy milestone last summer – her United States Women’s National Team debut. Just over a year ago, she earned her first cap, a start against Ireland, after accumulating a long list of youth national team experience, on top of her club and college accolades.

As the NWSL season progresses and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches, the expansion of her game will become crucial. The tangible strides she has made were on full display on Sunday against Portland, as she stepped up in the moments where it mattered most.

The midfielder was at the heart of both of Reign FC’s goals on Sunday.  An impressive set of back-to-back tackles to kickstarted the team’s opening goal before taking matters into her own hands and serving up the assist on the second of the afternoon.

Less than halfway into the 2026 season, Meza has matched her single-season assist record from 2025 and is full steam ahead as the Reign head into their final 17 matches of the season.

“I spoke to Sam before the game and I said to her, I think one of the things that we've been working on, me and her actually, has been getting the ball off her feet quick, whether that be dribbling or passing or making a quick decision. I think [her tackle] was a really good example of that. I actually brought up the tackle at halftime and said that stuff that can trigger us into action. And not only did it trigger us into action, it triggered us into scoring goal,” said Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey.

“For that cross, she gets out of her feet quick, delivers quick and Maddie's set up for it, whereas sometimes we take that extra touch, and then that moment passes. Just really proud of Sam. We all know how good she is defensively. She's phenomenal. But if she can add these little layers to her game, there's no stopping her.”

Next up, Meza and Reign FC will be looking to carry the Cascadia victory momentum into a long three-match road stretch to close out July. Up first, the Reign head to New York City to take on Gotham FC this Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m. PT. Fans can catch all of the action on ABC.