Reign FC Battle to Draw Against Bay FC
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San Jose — April 27, 2025 — The Seattle Reign secured a 1-1 draw against Bay FC in a thrilling match on Saturday. The game, played in California, saw the Reign concede an early goal before mounting a comeback. Key moments included a pivotal save by goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and an equalizer by Jordyn Huitema, setting up the exciting Reign result.Read on for more details.
Reign FC Battle to Draw Against Bay FC in California
San Jose, Calif. — Seattle Reign FC secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bay FC on Saturday night at PayPal Park. After conceding a frist-half goal, teh Reign rallied to earn a valuable point on the road, wiht forward Jordyn Huitema netting the equalizer.
first Half: High Energy, Bay FC Takes the Lead
The match began with intense energy, as forward Maddie Dahlien instantly challenged Bay FC’s defense. Bay FC responded in kind, forcing Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey to make a critical diving save in the fifth minute, denying forward Racheal kundananji’s header. This save marked Dickey’s 100th for the Reign.
Despite controlling 69.5% of possession and generating five shots, seven corners, and 23 crosses, the Reign struggled to convert their opportunities. In the 26th minute,Huitema received a pass from midfielder Sam Meza but her shot sailed high. Three minutes later, Huitema intercepted a misplaced pass, but Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz managed to push her wide, clearing the danger.
Kundananji broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, receiving a pass from forward Caroline Conti and firing a shot that ricocheted off both posts before finding the back of the net, giving Bay FC a 1-0 lead.
The Reign continued to press, seeking an equalizer. Defender Madison Curry had an opportunity in the 39th minute, firing a powerful shot from the top of the box that Silkowitz pushed over the bar. Dahlien added another shot before halftime, but Bay FC maintained their lead going into the break.
second Half: Reign equalize, Secure a Point
The Reign returned with renewed vigor and quickly found an equalizer. Five minutes into the second half, midfielder Ji So-Yun received the ball inside the 18-yard box from a corner kick and passed to Meza, who lofted a perfect cross to the back post.Huitema rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, leveling the score.
As the half progressed, Bay FC gained momentum, forcing the Reign to defend. In the 80th minute,a cross headed towards substitute Rachel Hill was thwarted by defender Emily Mason,who managed to get a toe on the ball.
The Reign defended as a unit to see out the match, securing a valuable point on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Lauren Barnes Milestone: Defender Lauren Barnes reached 20,000 minutes played, becoming the first NWSL player to achieve this milestone.
- Claudia Dickey’s Century Mark: Goalkeeper Claudia dickey recorded her 100th save for the Reign with her fifth-minute stop against Racheal Kundananji.
- Huitema’s Timely Goal: Forward Jordyn Huitema scored her first goal of the season, leveling the score in the 50th minute, assisted by midfielder Sam meza. This marks her 11th regular-season goal with the Reign.
Up Next
The Reign return to Lumen Field to face the Kansas City Current on Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. PT.
FAQ
Who scored for the Reign?
Jordyn Huitema scored the Reign’s only goal.
Where was the game played?
The game was played at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
Who is Lauren Barnes?
Lauren Barnes is a defender for the Reign who has played 20,000 minutes, the first NWSL player to reach this milestone.
