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Dahlien's Second‑Half Finish Gives Reign a 1-0 Win Over Houston

Seattle gained breathing room in the playoff race before U-20 call-ups force short-term roster changes

Overview

  • Seattle beat the Houston Dash 1-0 at Lumen Field on Sunday when Maddie Dahlien scored in the 52nd minute off a Maddie Mercado cross following a Phoebe McClernon clearance.
  • The finish was the lone goal of a match Seattle controlled territorially while Houston managed just four shots, seven touches in the attacking box and 0.17 expected goals.
  • Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell made four key saves, including a one-on-one stop late, that kept the scoreline narrow despite Seattle generating 1.84 xG and 17 shots.
  • The result moved the Reign to 10-8-4 and gave them a small cushion in the fight for postseason spots even as goalkeeper Evan O'Steen has already joined the U.S. U-20 camp and teammates Ainsley McCammon and Emeri Adames are set to report after the match.
  • Seattle has signed short-term cover such as Kelsey Branson and extended Ruby Hladek's deal to manage injuries and parental leaves, and the club will need depth and sharper finishing during the run-in and the upcoming U-20 tournament window.