In their final match before the international break, the Seattle Reign delivered a commanding performance, securing their most decisive victory of the season with a 4-1 win against the Utah Royals. The Reign came out strong, showcasing a mix of veteran skill and youthful energy that propelled them to success.
Right from the start, the Reign demonstrated their attacking intent. In just the sixth minute, Ji So-yun opened the scoring with a deft finish after a well-placed header from Maddie Dahlien. Not content with a single goal, they doubled their lead shortly after, as Ji sent a perfectly timed ball to Dahlien, who managed to chip the Royals’ goalkeeper, Maddie McGlynn, despite a hard challenge during the play.
The Royals managed to respond with a goal midway through the half, benefiting from a rebound after a powerful shot from Ally Sentnor. Bianca St-Georges capitalized on the opportunity, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, the Reign showcased their defensive resilience, holding firm through the remainder of the half.
Emerging from halftime, the Reign continued their attacking dominance. Emeri Adames scored in the 65th minute, taking a perfectly placed pass from Ji and finishing with finesse to restore a two-goal cushion. Utah attempted to mount a comeback but struggled to break through the Reign’s solid defensive structure. In the closing minutes, the Reign sealed their victory with a penalty converted by Adames, following a strong run into the penalty area.
The standout performers for the Reign included Ji So-yun, who not only found the back of the net but also provided two assists, and Adames, who scored twice to further emphasize her rising talent within the league. The contributions of the younger players like Dahlien and Biyendolo, who set up key plays, showcased a promising future for the team.
Coach Laura Harvey emphasized the team’s mentality, noting their collective desire to solve problems on the field and their willingness to adapt. The Reign’s successful combination of veteran experience and emerging talent offers an optimistic outlook as they prepare for the next phase of the season.
Having concluded the international break with confidence, the Reign will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming match against Angel City on August 1st at Lumen Field. Their performance has laid a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting second half of the season.