Reign FC Looks to Build off First Shutout of the Season
In addition to defeating their biggest rival, Portland Thorns FC, last Friday, the Reign earned their first shutout of the season. The gritty win called for a strong defensive performance from the backline, which withstood 11 shots in the second half.
Though the Reign have posted a unique lineup for each of their first five matches of the season, four of the five players to consistently appear in lineup are key defensive contributors – goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry and Phoebe McClernon.
Gaining experience as a unit, the Reign’s backline has averaged one goal conceded per match, allowing just five goals in five games. Only three teams in the league have conceded fewer goals this season.
Each player in the Reign’s backline brings a critical presence to the table to help the team to get off to a solid starting point in 2025.
Claudia Dickey
Five games into the season, Dickey has made the fourth most saves of any NWSL goalkeeper in 2025. The 25-year-old keeper has only conceded more than one goal on one occasion so far this season.
She boasts 17 saves, reaching her season-high of four saves in both of the Reign’s two wins of the season against the North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns. She has also been nominated for NWSL Save of the Week twice, just five weeks into the 2025 season.
She had a particularly notable performance against Portland Thorns FC last week, making four saves to secure the win and defending four shots from an eager Portland offense in second half stoppage time.
Jordyn Bugg
The young defender has been a stalwart for the Reign, playing 90 minutes in all five of Seattle’s matches this season. Providing a sense of quiet leadership beyond her years, the 18-year-old has posted a near-80% tackle success rate, in addition to recording five blocks and interceptions.
Though renowned for her impressive defensive play, Bugg has also contributed to the Reign’s attack this season. From her spot in the backline, Bugg has taken two shots this season, both on target. One of these shots resulted in her unforgettable Goal of the Week, adding her to the list of five Reign players to record a goal this season. She is the only defender to have scored a goal for the Reign so far this season and leads the team in passes in the opposing half of the field.
Phoebe McClernon
McClernon has been a regular in the Reign’s lineup for 40 matches and counting. She’s started every match this season and played every minute of each match. An outspoken leader on the field, she has captained the team once this season, in the Reign’s road match against Angel City FC.
A critical part of the backline, McClernon has recorded nine tackles and holds a 90% tackle success rate. She has made five interceptions and has a passing accuracy rate of over 80%. She leads the team in clearances (30), blocks (3) and passes in the defensive half of the field (183).
Madison Curry
A newcomer to the Reign, Curry has started in every match this season, playing all but 11 minutes across Seattle’s five matches. On defense, the crafty outside back leads the team with 16 interceptions. She has also added six tackles and taken on 10 headed duels.
Curry brings an exciting attacking element to the Reign’s backline, attempting the most crosses of any Reign player this season (13). She provides a dynamic option on the outside of the field, aiding the defensive group on offense and defense.
As the team looks ahead to this weekend’s matchup with Bay FC, the Reign will once again rely on the strength of their backline to post a solid performance on the road.