The Seattle Reign will face Angel City FC in their first official preseason game of 2026 on Saturday afternoon at the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, California. This match offers the team’s supporters their first public opportunity to see how head coach Laura Harvey’s squad shapes up, following a series of closed-door scrimmages during the off-season. Fans in the Seattle area can catch the game live on Fox 13+.
Roster Changes Shape Seattle Reign Ahead of Season
Although offseason activity was limited for the Reign, several key players have departed, altering the team’s makeup significantly. Notable exits include goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska, who transferred to Racing Louisville; defenders Lauren Barnes and Hanna Glas, both retired; and Julia Lester, whose contract expired. Midfielders Mikayla Cluff, Olivia van der Jagt, and Ji So-yun also left the club, with some retirees and contract conclusions among them. Forwards Ana-Maria Crnogorčević and Veronica Latsko have departed as well, with Latsko retiring. Additionally, forward Lynn Biyendolo is expected to miss the beginning of the season due to maternity leave.
To address these losses, Seattle added rookie goalkeeper Evan O’Steen, midfielder Sofia Cedeño, and experienced forward Brittany Ratcliffe. The roster still features some open spots, as trialists continue their evaluations and the transfer window remains open through March 16. However, General Manager Lesle Gallimore has suggested that major signings may wait until the summer, pending assessments of the current squad and the impact of the new High Impact Player rule, which is set to be enforced this summer unless challenged as a Collective Bargaining Agreement violation.
Strategic Formations: What Will Seattle Reign Display?
Laura Harvey’s tactical approach has sparked discussion following last season, where she frequently deployed a five-back formation, moving away from her preferred 4-3-3 setup. This configuration required wingbacks to push forward extensively, providing width and supply into the attacking areas. While this strategy bolstered the team’s defense—helping Seattle permit the third-fewest goals in the league—it compromised attacking fluidity as the central attacker had to juggle dual roles, reducing offensive sharpness. The Reign managed only nine multi-goal victories and just two wins by more than a single goal throughout the year. Fans and analysts will be closely watching if Harvey maintains this defensively solid setup or opts to introduce a more attack-oriented formation to boost scoring potential.
Searching for the Team’s Creative Heart
A focal question remains about who will assume the role of primary playmaker for the Reign. The club initially hoped that Korean international star Ji So-yun could fill the void left by Rose Lavelle through her precise passing and creativity. Although there were promising moments during her tenure, So-yun’s stint ended prematurely with a loan move to Birmingham City in late 2025. Last season saw a rotation of players such as Jordyn Huitema, Jess Fishlock, and Sally Menti each occupying this critical creative position, with varying degrees of success. The newly signed Sofia Cedeño is also expected to compete for this role. Still, it appears likely the team will seek to invest in a marquee player during the summer transfer period to solidify this vital position.
Addressing the Goal-Scoring Void
Seattle’s offense struggled throughout the previous season, ranking lowest among playoff teams in goals scored. There were hopes that Lynn Biyendolo would provide the necessary scoring punch, but injuries and pregnancy curtailed her contributions significantly. Similarly, summer signing Mia Fishel was anticipated to make an offensive impact but was limited by ongoing recovery from a severe knee injury and adjusting into the team dynamic. After a complete preseason to regain fitness, Fishel is expected to return with the efficiency that previously earned her USWNT selections and a high-profile contract at Chelsea.
Other players like Emeri Adames, Maddie Dahlien, Huitema, and Nérilia Mondésir showed glimpses of offensive promise, but determining the right lineup and tactics to fully harness their talents remains a key challenge for Harvey as the season approaches.
Potential Breakout from Trialists in Preseason Action
With limited major signings anticipated before summer, the Reign might rely on short-term additions to cover roster gaps such as Lynn Biyendolo’s maternity leave and goalkeeper Cassie Miller’s long-term injury. Past seasons have seen trialists like Bethany Balcer and Sally Menti earn roster spots through preseason performances, raising expectations for this year’s candidates. Among those looking to impress are local U18 defender Vienna Whipple, who recently earned a US U18 roster spot for the upcoming Pintar Cup; midfielder and Reign Academy graduate Keeley Dockter; and forwards Ruby Hladek, Peyton Parsons, and Chloe Seelhoff. Their role in the upcoming game may reveal who could secure a place on the team moving forward.
Viewing Details for the Preseason Encounter
The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, kicking off at 1:30 PM Pacific Time at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Seattle viewers can watch on Fox 13+, while the Los Angeles audience can tune in via Fox 11+. Angel City FC will also stream the match live on their YouTube channel. Additionally, all Fox broadcasts are accessible through the FoxLocal app, making the match widely available to fans interested in monitoring early developments for both clubs.
Final Thoughts and What to Watch
This preseason clash represents a critical stage for the Seattle Reign to test their adjusted roster, refine tactics, and address offensive and creative concerns under Laura Harvey’s guidance. Meanwhile, Angel City FC will look to sharpen their squad as well. The performance and decisions made during this game could influence Seattle’s tactical approach and roster moves well into the 2026 season, especially as the club prepares to navigate new league rules and an evolving competitive landscape.
