SEATTLE — Seattle Reign FC defeat Washington Spirit in the 2024 NWSL season opener on March 17, 2024.

The Spirit debuted five players on the Starting XI: Casey Kreuger, Brittany Ratcliffe, Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt, and Kate Wiesner. The team lost a few dynamic players, such as Dorian Bailey, Sam Staab, and United States Women’s National Team player Ashley Sanchez, through transfers.

Reign also has a host of new talent after Megan Rapinoe’s retirement, and USWNT players Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnet departure to Gotham FC. Newcomers Ji So-Yun, Lily Woodham, and Angharad James-Turner were on the Starting XI.

Reign’s Bethany Balcer scored on a penalty kick in the third minute, which was earned during the first play of the match when Jordyn Huitema was taken down in the box.

In the last few minutes, goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury was given a red card due to a handball just outside of the box. On March 21, the red card was successfully appealed, allowing Kingsbury to play at the home opener on March 23 against Bay FC. The newest addition to the NWSL won their season opener in a historic match against Angel FC 1-0, scored by Asista Oshoala.

The Washington Spirit opener tickets can be purchased here, or the match can be viewed on ION via leading streaming platforms like Roku Channel, Tubi, YoutubeTV, and more.