Seattle Reign Face Gotham FC in NWSL Playoff Quarterfinal Matchup

Seattle Reign Face Gotham FC in NWSL Playoff Quarterfinal Matchup

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Seattle Reign FC travels to Harrison, New Jersey this weekend to face Gotham FC in a win-or-go-home NWSL Playoffs quarterfinal fixture at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. PT, with the match broadcast live on ABC, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.

The Reign punched their postseason ticket following a 1-0 victory over Orlando on Decision Day, securing the eighth seed with a 14-11-5 regular-season record and 47 points. Standing in their path is a Gotham FC side that finished with an 18-5-7 record and 61 points, taking first place after a 2-0 win against the Utah Royals.

This quarterfinal clash serves as a rematch of the 2023 NWSL Championship in San Diego, where Gotham edged out a 2-1 victory. In that meeting, an early injury sidelined Reign Megan Rapinoe. Rose Lavelle scored for Gotham FC before Esther González netted the decisive goal in stoppage time. Lavelle now plays for Gotham, adding another narrative layer to Sunday’s elimination match.

During the 2026 regular season, the two clubs went head-to-head twice. Their most recent clash came in July at Icahn Stadium in New York, where the Reign fell 3-2 following a 2.5-hour weather delay. Maddie Mercado and Mia Fishel staked Seattle to a two-goal first-half lead. However, momentum swung late as González scored twice, capped by Lavelle’s game-winner for the home side. Historically, the all-time series sits at 12-12-10.

Jess Fishlock continues to be a player to watch for the Reign, providing leadership and the ability to coach in real time from the field. Meanwhile, Maddie Mercado finished the regular season with 10 goals, recording five headed goals, which is tied for the third-most in league history, and 40 crosses, the most of any NWSL player.

Seattle Reign Face Gotham FC in NWSL Playoff Quarterfinal Matchup

Gotham counters with a potent attack featuring Jaedyn Shaw and Sam Kerr. Shaw, returning from injury, has 11 goal contributions this season, while Kerr has eight. Sixteen of the final 23 goals Gotham recorded this season featured a contribution from one of the two players.

Fans unable to travel to New Jersey can catch the action on ABC, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, or attend the Official Watch Party hosted at Rough & Tumble.

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