Since joining the club in 2013, Head Coach Laura Harvey has stated repeatedly that it’s critical to be a team that is hard to beat. The 2026 NWSL season is the perfect example of this principle ringing true.
A 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride at Lumen Field saw Reign FC claim the final spot in the 2026 NWSL Playoffs and the team’s defensive work was at the forefront of securing the victory. The team absorbed pressure throughout the second half to maintain their lead, and were rewarded their 12th of the season. As a cherry on top, the game-winning goal was scored by Jordyn Bugg, Seattle’s 20-year-old center back.
"I think we really limited their opportunities,” Harvey reflected after the win over Orlando. “It's no surprise to me that the team that won the shield is the team that's conceded the least amount of goals. That's what wins things. I've said that since the day I walked through the door here, and I still believe it today.”
She continued, “The two teams that have scored the most goals aren't in the playoffs, and so to be able to look and say that to be able to be successful in this league, you've got to be hard to beat. You've got to be and probably nothing ranked more true than 2026 to be that way.”
Sunday’s resolute performance in limiting Orlando to zero shots on goal wasn’t an isolated occurrence. Through every stretch of the season, the Reign’s defensive efforts have been a cornerstone of the team’s identity, embodying the grit and perseverance that have defined the team since the NWSL’s inaugural season.
Throughout 2026, a handful of players have rotated through the backline, highlighting the depth of the roster. Seven different players have earned starts across the backline this season, in addition to two goalkeepers.
Much like the Reign’s overall roster the last couple of seasons, the makeup of the backline is a unique mix of NWSL veterans and newcomers. Phoebe McClernon, a sixth-year center back, was the only player on the Reign roster to start in all 30 regular season matches. Close behind her, co-captain Sofia Huerta has started at outside back in all but one regular season match in 2026. The two of them bring an immense amount of leadership and stability that helps to guide the squad through every match.
To open the season, Emily Mason played alongside McClernon at center back and had a strong showing, proving that she is ready to step in seamlessly at a moment's notice. Similarly, Bugg, who notched the game-winning goal against Orlando, hit the ground running as she returned to play following injury in May.
Rounding out the backline, Madison Curry, Ryanne Brown and Shae Holmes have spent time at outside back this season. Brown made her long-awaited return from injury and re-entered the squad with a bang as she bagged a goal against one of the Reign’s standout win this season against Portland Thorns FC at Lumen Field.
A critical part of the success of the Reign’s defensive unit also lies with their goalkeeping corps. From top to bottom, the group is as solid as they come. While Neeku Purcell and Evan O’Steen have not yet seen the pitch for Seattle, their competitiveness and drive in training have elevated the group.
Cassie Miller, another veteran leader on the squad, was called on to step in throughout the season as Claudia Dickey was sidelined with injury and proved to be world-class as she led the team from between the posts.
Dickey herself has become an anchor for the team, as she is now in her fifth season with the Reign and has broken countless club records.
“The girls around me are great, right? I wouldn’t be who I am or accomplish what I have without the team I have around me. They make my job a lot easier.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to break any of those records without my teammates. Those are the people that make me look really good. They set me up for success and I genuinely would not have any of these records without them – and people like Laura, Scott, Kate and Lloyd too.”
Dickey, who has also become a regular for the United States Women’s National Team, recorded her ninth shutout of the season against Orlando as the Reign cinched their playoff berth, extending her single-season career high. She’s made 242 regular season saves in her career, officially passing the Reign’s former all-time saves leader Hope Solo this season to claim the record.
“I’m so happy to be here because I’ve been able to grow so much in this environment,” said Dickey. Since I've been here, we've had such a good group every year and we really try to push each other every year. There's been a lot of different ones in my time here, but I think everyone left some type of impact on me. I mean obviously the staff, like Raki who was here my first two years and now Lloyd has been great. He challenges me and the whole group a lot, but in ways that I definitely need to be challenged.”
This Sunday brings the next challenge for the entire Reign FC squad as they travel to New Jersey to take on Gotham FC in the first round of the NWSL Playoffs. Kickoff for the match is at 9:30 a.m. PT on ABC but the Reign’s Official Watch Party begins at 9:00 a.m. at Rough & Tumble.