Oct 18, 2026 • Martin Field
CHICAGO — Seattle Reign FC walked away from Chicago with three crucial points Sunday evening, defeating Chicago Stars FC 3-1 at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Seattle controlled much of the match, using its possession and attacking pressure to secure an important road victory as the NWSL regular season approaches its final stretch. The result strengthened Seattle's playoff hopes while Chicago continued to struggle to find consistency.
Seattle established control early, maintaining possession and creating opportunities in Chicago's defensive third. The Reign nearly opened the scoring when veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Seattle continued applying pressure, eventually breaking through in the 38th minute when Fishlock connected with Maddie Mercado, who finished the opportunity to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Chicago returned from the break looking to change the momentum of the match. The Stars showed stretches of improved attacking play and made several substitutions in an effort to create more opportunities going forward. Brianna Pinto came close to equalizing in the 67th minute with a shot from outside the penalty area, but her attempt went wide. Despite Chicago's efforts, Seattle remained organized defensively and continued controlling possession.
The Reign doubled their advantage in the 80th minute when second-half substitute Nérilia Mondésir capitalized on a pass from Sofia Huerta, finishing from close range to extend Seattle's lead to 2-0. Just four minutes later, Mercado struck again, connecting on a header from a Brittany Ratcliffe cross to complete her brace and put Seattle ahead 3-0.
Chicago managed to respond in the closing moments of the match. In the 90th minute, Simone Charley received a well-placed pass from Maitane López, used her speed to get past the Seattle defense, and finished past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. The goal marked Charley's first in a Chicago Stars jersey, providing a positive moment for the home side despite the 3-1 defeat.
Seattle controlled approximately 61 percent of possession and recorded 18 shots compared with Chicago's seven. The Reign also registered five shots on target while limiting the Stars to just one, demonstrating their attacking advantage throughout the match.
Mercado delivered one of the standout performances of the evening, scoring twice and bringing her season total to 10 goals. Fishlock played an important role in Seattle's midfield, helping dictate the tempo and contributing an assist. Mondésir also made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring just minutes after entering the match.
Despite the loss, Chicago saw several individual milestones. Defender Sam Staab made her 27th start of the season, setting a new club record for most starts in a single season. Mallory Swanson made her 78th appearance for Chicago, moving into the club's top 10 in all-time appearances, while goalkeeper Halle Mackiewicz made her first NWSL start of the season.
The victory moved Seattle to 43 points and back into eighth place in the NWSL standings, keeping the Reign in playoff position as the regular season nears its conclusion. The result also completed a season sweep over Chicago, following Seattle's 1-0 victory in their previous meeting in August.
Chicago will look to regroup ahead of its final home match of the season against the Houston Dash on October 23, while Seattle continues its push toward the postseason with an important road matchup against Utah Royals FC.
- Ivan Ibarra
