Match Forecast: Seattle Reign FC Hosts 42nd Edition of Cascadia Rivalry Match
This Friday, April 18, Seattle Reign FC is preparing for the premier rivalry in North American soccer as they host Portland Thorns FC at Lumen Field. With the biggest names and rising stars in NWSL set to square off for regional bragging rights, the match is sure to bring excitement for fans on and off the pitch.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can get tickets to the match HERE or tune in on Prime Video. For more on international watch options, click HERE.
2025 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 1-2-1 (4 points, 7th place), Portland Thorns FC: 1-1-2 (5 points, 6th place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – The Reign and Thorns last met in a NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup match at Providence Park on July 31, 2024. A first half goal scored by Portland forward Payton Linnehan decided the match, despite the Reign earning nearly 54% possession and outshooting Portland 19 shots to eight.
Prior to the Summer Cup meeting, the teams battled to a scoreless draw at Lumen Field in June. The Reign controlled the tempo of the match and outshot the Thorns 10-6 but ultimately were unable to find the back of the net and settled for a point in front of over 9,000 fans.
All-time, the Reign have earned 15 wins, 16 losses and 10 draws against Portland. In regular season play, Seattle holds the edge with 13 wins compared to Portland’s 11.
2. SCOUTING PORTLAND THORNS FC – The Thorns currently sit in 6th place in the NWSL standings, just one point above the Reign. The Portland-based side has one win in 2025, along with one loss and two draws. They have recorded two consecutive shutouts against Utah Royals FC and the North Carolina Courage.
Most recently, Portland played on the road against Utah. The Thorns dominated the first half of play and found the game-winning goal just 14 minutes into the match. Forward Reilyn Turner took advantage of an open net, easily tapping in the assist from midfielder Hina Sugita.
Portland currently has six players out for the match - Moira Kelley (Ankle), Marie Muller (SEI – knee), Nicole Payne (SEI – knee), Olivia Wade-Katoa (maternity leave), Morgan Weaver (SEI – knee) and Sophia Wilson (maternity leave).
3. CASCADIA RIVALRY – A storied rivalry, Seattle and Portland matches have been must-watch material since the pairing debuted in 2013. The rivalry is unmatched in intensity and history but continues to grow with each edition. Though fueled by original Reign FC players like defender Lauren Barnes and midfielder Jess Fishlock, the torch of the rivalry is consistently kept alight by new players at club, eager to join the action. Nearly half of the players on Reign FC’s active roster have yet to play in a Cascadia Rivalry match and four additional players have only squared off with the Thorns in a Summer Cup match.
Though some players, like forward Lynn Biyendolo, who made her Seattle Reign debut last Saturday against Orlando, are no stranger to playing against the Thorns. The attacker has scored 13 goals against Portland in all competitions, which is the most goals any player has scored against the Thorns.
4. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – The rivalry is guaranteed to offer unforgettable moments on and off the pitch as the sworn enemies battle for dominance on Friday night. On one of the first sunny evenings of the Seattle spring, fans can take in the experience with family-friendly activities around the stadium, like crown making, face painting, poster making and more! Be sure to stop by Queen City Social at Cityside Bar pre-match for a high-energy event and a chance to meet USWNT legend Sam Mewis.
AVAILABILITY REPORT:
OUT
Ryanne Brown (SEI – knee)
Jess Fishlock (leg)
Veronica Latsko (SEI – lower leg)
Maddie Mercado (excused absence)
QUESTIONABLE
None