“We’re the ones we’ve been waiting for”: Reign FC focused on trophies in 2026

Seattle Reign FC wrapped up their preseason trip to the Coachella Valley Invitational on a positive note, beating Angel City FC 1-0. The match, which showcased the Reign’s depth and versatility, was the perfect way to cap off a long preseason trip. From winning on the pitch to team bonding, Coachella has sparked an electric vibe throughout the group.

This marked the club’s second consecutive trip down the Coachella Valley for training camp, and it once again proved to be worthwhile. Getting competitive minutes against top-tier teams is a priority in the preseason, but the two-week excursion also provided valuable bonding time for the team.

“This is like one of those trips that maybe seems a little daunting before you get here and maybe you're ready to get home at the end of it, but getting two weeks together in such a nice location like this where we get to just play games with each other all the time, sit around and laugh, go in the pool, whatever it is, all the off-field stuff, as much as it as it is the on-field stuff, it's the stuff like I'm going to for sure look back on my career and be the most grateful for,” said Reign FC defender Phoebe McClernon.

The Reign’s 2026 roster is largely unchanged and only features a handful of new faces – goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielder Sofia Cedeño and forward Brittany Ratcliffe. Seattle’s roster is filled with world-class veterans and rising stars, and the squad is laser focused on the start of the 2026 season. Last year saw the team finish in fifth place and book a trip to the NWSL quarterfinals, but it wasn’t enough.

This team is ready for more.

As showcased during preseason, there’s a renewed sense of urgency for players on the pitch. A group of natural leaders, everyone is hungry to make an impact in any way they can, both on and off the field. The Reign’s preseason match against Angel City FC featured 21 players, all contributing to the victory.

“I think we have a young but really strong group of defenders, with a lot of people that are just ready to step into their moment and make the most of this season,” shared McClernon.

“Whether it's Emily Mason, Madison Curry, even some of our trialists like Vienna [Whipple] and Carolyn [Voss], they're all just chomping at the bit to get out there and prove themselves and I think that showed.”

The 2026 season, which kicks off in less than three weeks, poses a unique challenge for the Reign. With longtime captain Lauren Barnes retiring and the team pushing itself to new heights, the Reign are not content to gradually build throughout the season – they plan to hit the ground running.

"I think we're really young and hungry and something [Laura Harvey] has been saying to us all preseason, is we're the ones we've been waiting for. I think every time that we step on the field together, you get that sense. You get that sense that people are ready to step into whatever that leadership role looks like, whether that's just bringing everything you have on the field, being more vocal or just holding people to the highest standard. It's just been a really, really good energy and it's really inspiring.”

The countdown is on to the start of the Reign’s 2026 season. Traveling to Orlando to open the season on March 15, Seattle has lofty goals cemented in place for this year and you won’t want to miss it.

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