Jordyn Bugg Scores First Professional Goal
The Reign made a statement against the North Carolina Courage on Saturday night, traveling to Cary and taking all three points for just the second time in club history.
Veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock scored the first goal of the match, but it was defender Jordyn Bugg who added the game winner with her second-ever shot in the NWSL regular season.
“Both goals were very different,” said Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey after the match. “Jordyn Bugg’s probably going to win goal of the season. They were both excellent goals.”
Bugg first signed with the Reign in the summer of 2024, following in the footsteps of the Reign’s first-ever U-18 signing, Emeri Adames. It didn’t take long for her to integrate into the Reign’s lineup, despite her age.
Tonight, against the Courage, she struck in the 56th minute, doubling the lead and scoring the goal that would eventually seal the victory for Seattle. Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy didn’t stand chance as the 18-year-old settled a clearance and only needed one touch before unleashing a rocket from 35 yards out.
In classic Bugg fashion, she had a strong defensive performance in the match as she tallied five clearances and two interceptions to keep the Courage from equalizing in a second half that saw the home side keep 66% of possession.
“I'm really proud of the group and not only are we different, we're really young. To come here with that youth and energy really helped us,” praised Harvey.
Notably, Bugg also ranked second in passing accuracy in the match (85.7%), completed the second most passes of any Reign player and won possession of the ball three times for the Reign.
North Carolina is a team renowned for making their home field a difficult place to play, making Bugg’s goal even more impressive. Not only did the Reign pick up a win in Cary for the first time since 2022, but this match marks the first time since 2023 that the Courage have conceded two goals in their own home.
“Coming here is never, ever easy,” said Harvey. “They’ve got an unbelievable record here for a reason. So, to come here and get a result, I’m really, really proud of the group.”