Seattle Reign x Utah Royals

In an exhilarating start to the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup, the Reign triumphed over the Utah Royals with a 2-1 victory at Lumen Field, featuring a dramatic match that saw the Reign taking the lead twice and showcasing three club debuts. From the kickoff, Seattle dominated possession, adjusting seamlessly to a heavily rotated lineup. Forward McKenzie Weinert led the charge with relentless pressure, drawing a crucial penalty in the 41st minute. Midfielder Olivia Athens confidently converted the spot-kick, igniting the home crowd with a powerful strike to the lower right corner. The jubilation was short-lived as Utah's Cameron Tucker leveled the score in stoppage time, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The second half was a physical and fiercely contested battle as both teams sought the decisive goal. The Reign introduced fresh legs, including first-year midfielder Sam Meza, who made her highly anticipated NWSL debut in the 57th minute. The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when Tziarra King skillfully navigated the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post. Sofia Huerta rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, securing the lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Huerta's goal marked her first headed goal since 2018, and it was the crucial difference-maker in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

As the clock ticked down, the Reign's defense held firm, with goalkeeper Claudia Dickey making key saves to preserve the lead. The excitement peaked in the 90th minute when Ainsley McCammon made her debut, becoming the youngest player in Reign history and adding another layer of history to the night. With this victory, Seattle extended their unbeaten streak to five games and demonstrated their depth and resilience. The win also improved their all-time series record against the Royals to 7W-1L-3D, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the Summer Cup and the season ahead.

[Photography by Jackie Shinstrom]