Forward Maddie Dahlien Makes Professional Debut

Saturday night’s 2025 Seattle Reign FC home opener was extra special for Maddie Dahlien.

Dahlien made her professional debut in front of a boisterous crowd at Lumen Field as the Reign battled back to secure a 1-1 draw with NJ/NY Gotham FC.

The forward, who signed with the Reign in January, was called upon by head coach Laura Harvey to start the match after her impressive preseason showing. Renowned for her pace, Dahlien was the only rookie to appear in the Reign’s starting lineup.

"Maddie Dahlien has been brilliant preseason and deserved the opportunity to start tonight,” affirmed Harvey.

After spending three years at the University of North Carolina, the rookie opted to join the Reign. From the second she stepped on the pitch in preseason, she was a standout player, scoring the lone goal in Reign FC’s 1-1 draw with Angel City FC at the Coachella Valley Invitation.

That goal in preseason provided a glimpse into her potential, as she seamlessly integrated into the team on Saturday night. Her hustle created a dangerous opportunity for the Reign in the first half as she got on the end of a ball and sent an inviting cross through the 18-yard box.

“I said to her that little chance she had in the first half when she broke away, I think the thing she's got to get used to is not many people are as quick as her. So she crossed it, and I was like, ‘no one's going to be there, mate, because they're not as fast as you.’ Hopefully, when Lynn [Biyendolo]'s back, there'll be someone who can keep up with her a little bit” Harvey laughed.

A key part of the frontline that maintained pressure on veteran goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger throughout the entire match, Dahlien’s future is bright. Her athleticism adds an extra element to her game that keeps the opponents on their heels.

“You saw tonight what she brings she’s a pressing machine,” said Harvey. “She’s dynamic. She’s fast. She’s direct. There's so much ceiling left for her in her growth.”

In addition to her pressure and speed, Dahlien helped maintain possession with the third-highest passing accuracy on the team, with 83.3%. She was one of nine players on the night to get into Gotham’s 18-yard box and worked to stretch their backline

The 20-year-old also showed her defensive chops, winning two tackles and two duels from her position up top.

Dahlien provided Reign fans and foes alike a glimpse at what she’s capable of and, as Harvey noted, she’s only set to grow from here.