Reign Forward Maddie Dahlien Tears ACL, Placed on Season-Ending Injured List
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Ahead of their return to NWSL action following an early October international window, Seattle Reign FC have been dealt a brutally tough blow days before their road match against the Chicago Stars. Second-year forward Maddie Dahlien suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while attending training camp with the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team, ending her 2026 season. Dahlien has been placed on the season-ending injury (SEI) list ahead of Sunday’s road contest in Chicago and will obviously be out of action for an extended period of time.
“We’re heartbroken for Maddie, and our priority is making sure she has the support and resources she needs throughout her recovery. She has made a tremendous impact on this club in just two seasons, and her competitive drive, determination, and work ethic are evident in everything she does. We’re confident she’ll approach this challenge with that same mentality and come back stronger.”
Seattle Reign FC forward Maddie Dahlien during the club’s April 26th, 2026, match against the Utah Royals at Lumen Field. (Photos by Eric Hiller for Circling Seattle Sports)
Since signing with the club out of college, the University of North Carolina graduate has been a consistent presence in the Reign starting XI under head coach Laura Harvey. In her second season, Dahlien has totaled 1,937 minutes across 25 appearances, recording three goals, including two game-winners, and four assists, tied for the team lead. The danger that Maddie presents on the wing for Seattle and how quickly she’s been able to adapt to the pro game have helped her slot into the lineup, as the 22-year-old made her 50th regular season appearance for the club on September 25th against Boston Legacy FC at Lumen Field, recording an assist on a goal by club original and co-captain Jess Fishlock.
Dahlien first made waves with the Reign during her rookie campaign in 2025, when she was named a finalist for the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year award. Last season with Seattle, Dahlien primarily featured for the club as a wing back up the left side of the field which somewhat diminished her attacking abilities as she was forced to do more defensively. This season, with the Reign going back to more of a traditional four-back look, Maddie has been able to focus more on her attacking play, leading to more looks on goal as she continues to develop her game.
Seattle Reign FC forward Maddie Dahlien during the club’s August 30th, 2026, meeting against the Houston Dash at Lumen Field. (Photos by Bryant Garduque for Circling Seattle Sports)
Dahlien’s play and potential have earned her recognition with the U.S. Women’s National Team, most recently representing the United States at the 2026 SheBelieves Cup. She has also been a consistent presence with the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team throughout the 2026 season. In total, Maddie has earned three caps with the National Team.
Dahlien is signed through the 2027 season with Seattle, and the timing of this injury unfortunately puts her start to the season later into that campaign. A Reign spokesperson has said that Dahlien is in good spirits and wanted this information to get out sooner rather than later, as the club will look to do whatever they can to best assist her rehab.
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