Seattle Reign FC battled Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds to a 2-1 win at Lumen Field on Sunday an international friendly. Sofia Huerta opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Takatsuka Ena equalized ten minutes later.
The Reign got off to a quick start in the 4th minute through new signing Mia Fishel, who rolled her defender before taking a quick shot that was saved by the Urawa goalkeeper.
Four minutes later, goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska was called upon to keep the score level as she closed down Shimada Mei on a 1-v-1 and denied the Urawa striker with a point-blank save.
After weathering a spell of pressure for the opening 25 minutes, the Reign wrestled control of the match and started to dictate the tempo. That momentum swing paid dividends in the 27th minute as Seattle broke the deadlock.
A Sally Menti corner kick from the right side was cleared to the edge of the box by Urawa. Huerta settled the ball out of the air before firing a shot through traffic that arrowed into the bottom left corner to put the Reign up 1-0.
Urawa responded in the 36th minute from a set piece of their own as a flicked header found Ena at the back post, who calmly tapped the ball into the back of the net.
The visitors had a pair of chances to pull ahead on the brink of halftime, but on both occasions Prohaska came up with clutch saves.
The second half got off to a blistering start in the 48th minute as Nérilia Mondésir released Huerta down the left, whose cross nearly found Huitema for a tap-in at the back post. Two minutes later, Sam Meza intercepted a pass before weaving through three defenders and firing a shot to the back post that forced Urawa goalkeeper Ikeka Sakido into an acrobatic save.
In the 53rd minute, Mondésir played another clever through ball – this time into the path of Huitema, was taken down by a Urawa defender inside the box. Huerta stepped up for the ensuing penalty and calmly picked out the bottom left corner.
Seattle nearly added a third when Adames burst free in the box and roofed a shot into the top corner at the near post, but it was flagged for offside.
The Reign’s best chance from open play came in the 80th minute when Maddie Dahlien raced behind the opposing back line and forced Sakido into a 1-v-1 save.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Welcome Back, Huerta: Playing in her first Reign FC match since August 25, 2024, Huerta provided a reminder of why she is one of the most exciting wide players in the world. The NWSL’s all-time assists leader set up numerous chances with her pinpoint crosses all afternoon and managed to bag a brace in her first match back at Lumen Field.
Big Fish: Despite playing just 30 minutes in the first half, Fishel provided a glimpse of the dynamic play she brings to Reign FC’s attack. Her combination of clever movement off the ball and ability to link with teammates in possession will help unlock Seattle’s attack in the final stretch of the season.
Exciting Summer Ahead: Following the CBA and summer break, Reign FC appear poised for a massive second half of the season. With exciting new additions, key veterans rounding into form, and a host of thrilling young players enjoying breakout seasons, the Queens are set up for a strong finish to the campaign.
UP NEXT: The Reign continues its summer of soccer in Seattle with its annual Pride Match on Friday, August 1 against Angel City and the new Queen’s Match, honoring the legendary 1985 national team against Chicago Stars FC on Monday, August 18
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