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Reign try to improve playoff position with home match vs. Courage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 2:42 GMT by Seattle Times
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Seattle’s Reign Urge to Secure a Playoff Spot – A Deep Dive Into the Upcoming Clash With North Carolina Courage

When the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) heats up, the stakes are clear: every win counts, every draw can cost a team the chance to fight for the coveted playoffs, and every point earned can alter a club’s fate for an entire season. In this highly competitive environment, the Seattle Reign (now known as OL Reign) have found themselves in a critical position. With only a handful of games left in the 2023 regular season, the Reign’s next encounter with the North Carolina Courage is not just another match—it is a pivotal showdown that could define the team’s postseason trajectory.

A Season on the Edge

As of late September, OL Reign sit in the fifth spot in the league standings, level on points with the Utah Royals and trailing the top four teams by a slim margin. The team’s current record of 10‑4‑6 (wins, losses, draws) reflects a season of highs and lows. A few dropped points in recent weeks have left the Reign on a precarious edge, with the playoff cut-off being determined by both points and goal differential.

The Reign’s performance over the last month has been inconsistent. After a convincing 2‑1 win over the Houston Dash, they suffered a shocking 0‑3 loss to the Houston Dash’s rivals, the Orlando Pride. These fluctuations in form are at the heart of the urgency behind the upcoming match against the Courage, a team that has consistently showcased offensive flair and defensive solidity throughout the season.

Key Players to Watch

Carla Kovács – Forward

Carla Kovács, the Reign’s leading scorer, has already netted 12 goals in the season, making her a vital threat to any defense. Her quick feet and precise finishing have been pivotal in many of the Reign’s recent victories. The Courage’s defenders will need to be especially vigilant against her movement off the ball and her ability to find space in the box.

Megan Ruggero – Midfielder

Megan Ruggero’s work rate and vision have been instrumental in controlling the tempo of Reign’s midfield. She has supplied key assists and, when needed, is not shy of dropping back to protect the defense. Ruggero’s leadership will be crucial in organizing the Reign’s squad for the high‑pressure match.

Lauren Santiago – Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Lauren Santiago has a clean‑sheet record that rivals the league’s best. Her reflexes and shot‑saving ability have saved the Reign from potential defeats on numerous occasions. Against a team like the Courage that has a potent attack, Santiago’s presence will be a key factor in the Reign’s defensive strategy.

Tactical Outlook

The Reign’s coach, Lisa Hawley, is known for her flexible approach, often switching between a 4‑4‑2 and a more aggressive 3‑5‑2. In the match against the Courage, Hawley is expected to adopt a balanced tactic—maintaining a compact midfield while allowing her forwards to exploit gaps behind the Courage’s defensive line.

Key to this strategy will be a quick transition from defense to attack, using the Reign’s speed on the wings to outflank the Courage’s full‑backs. A potential 2‑3‑5 setup, where the Reign’s midfielders play a deeper role, could also be employed to ensure defensive resilience while still maintaining offensive threat.

The Stakes and the Implications

If the Reign win this match, they would secure a 1‑point cushion over the next closest teams in the standings. Even a draw would keep them in contention, potentially enough to make the playoffs depending on how the remaining matches unfold. A loss, however, would significantly reduce their chances, putting the Reign at risk of finishing outside the playoff bracket entirely.

In the broader context, the match is also a chance for the Reign to showcase their resilience and determination. Their performance could influence future coaching decisions, player contracts, and even the perception of the club within the broader NWSL landscape.

Additional Context from the Seattle Times

The Seattle Times coverage of the match provides a detailed background on the Reign’s season, their strategic adjustments, and the personal stories behind key players. Notably, the article links to a previous recap of the Reign’s 2‑1 victory over the Houston Dash, offering fans a quick refresher on the tactical elements that led to that win. Another internal link directs readers to the NWSL standings page, allowing them to see the latest point totals and goal differences in real time.

The article also cites a quote from Hawley: “Every point counts. We’ve been working hard to tighten our defense and find ways to score more efficiently. Our squad is hungry, and we’re going to bring that hunger to the pitch tonight.” This insight underscores the Reign’s mindset going into the crucial fixture.

What Fans Should Expect

For those following the Reign, the match is set to be a rollercoaster. Expect a blend of tactical nuance, individual brilliance, and a high‑stakes environment. The team’s recent struggles will be put to the test against a top‑tier opponent, with the potential to swing the balance of the season.

As the Reign prepare to step onto the field against the Courage, the question is simple: Will they rise to the occasion and secure a playoff berth, or will the points they’ve fought for slip through their fingers? Only one thing is certain—this match will be one of the most watched and discussed fixtures in the NWSL calendar, not only for its immediate implications but also for its broader impact on the league’s competitive narrative.