Match Report: Seattle Reign FC 1–1 Gotham FC | Reign FC Season Opener

Seattle Reign FC and Gotham FC battled to a gritty 1–1 draw in front of 8,467 rain-soaked fans at Lumen Field, delivering a dramatic start to Reign FC's 2025 NWSL campaign. With persistent rain and temperatures hovering in the low 40s, players showed remarkable determination as they fought through challenging conditions from the opening whistle.

After a tactical first half where Gotham looked more composed, the match ignited when Gabi Portilho silenced the home crowd in the 47th minute, finishing clinically to put the visitors ahead. Seattle's response was decisive – bringing on Nérilia "Coco" Mondésir in the 58th minute, a substitution that completely transformed the momentum.

Mondésir's electric pace and direct running immediately terrorized Gotham's backline, energizing both teammates and supporters alike. The pressure mounted until Emeri Adames struck gold in the 71st minute, hammering home the equalizer that sent Lumen Field into a frenzy despite the miserable weather.

The match descended into a physical battle in the closing stages, with five yellow cards distributed across both teams. Gotham's Mandy Freeman saw red in the 87th minute after a reckless challenge, leaving her teammates to desperately defend against Seattle's late onslaught.

Though Gotham dominated statistically with 11 shots (4 on target) and 55% possession compared to Reign's 7 shots (1 on target) and 45% possession, the numbers fail to capture how Seattle seized control after Mondésir's introduction. The Haitian international's impact, combined with Adames' clinical finishing, signals promising potential for the Reign's season ahead.

As players left the sodden pitch, both teams could claim satisfaction in delivering an opening-day spectacle that showcased the competitive fire and tactical intrigue that defines the NWSL. Seattle's spirited comeback and Gotham's resilience under pressure promised fans an exciting season ahead.

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Match Details

Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time: 19:00 (local time)

Competition: National Women's Soccer League (Regular Season)

Attendance: 8,467

Weather: Inclement rain at kickoff, easing slightly during play; temperature 40-43°F

Officials:

• Referee: Alex Billeter

• AR1: Tiffini Turpin

• AR2: Art Arustamyan

• Fourth Official: Patricia McCracken

• VAR: Shawn Tehini

Managers:

• Seattle Reign FC: Laura Harvey

• Gotham FC: Juan Carlos Amorós

Captains:

• Seattle Reign FC: Jess Fishlock

• Gotham FC: Tierna Davidson

Goals:

• Gotham FC: Gabi Portilho (47')

• Seattle Reign FC: Emeri Adames (71')

Expected Goals (xG):

• Seattle Reign FC: 0.5

• Gotham FC: 1.3

Cards:

• Yellow Cards: Jordyn Huitema (SEA, 42'), Gabi Portilho (NY, 38'), Jordyn Bugg (SEA, 52'), Jaelin Howell (NY, 74'), Sarah Schupansky (NY, 66')

• Red Card: Mandy Freeman (NY, 87')

Key Substitutions:

• Seattle Reign FC: Nérilia Mondésir for Ana-Maria Crnogorčević (58'), Emeri Adames for Maddie Dahlien (69'), Maddie Mercado for Angharad James-Turner (69'), Samantha Meza for Ji So-yun (90')

• Gotham FC: Cece Kizer for Gabi Portilho (73'), Lilly Reale for Sarah Schupansky (90'), Mckenna Whitham for Esther González (90'+3')

Season Record:

• Seattle Reign FC: 0-1-0

• Gotham FC: 0-1-0

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