Seattle Reign FC Earn 1-1 Draw at Bay FC
By Becca Weinberg, edited by Charles Hamaker
San Jose, CA - Through a hard-fought battle, our Seattle Reign FC achieved a 1-1 draw against Bay FC on Saturday evening at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. While Seattle logged the majority of the possession throughout the first half, the team was unable to string passes together to create viable chances on goal early in the game. Bay FC scored first and the Reign responded early into the second half, with other late opportunities to take the lead. By utilizing the width of the field and finding space behind the Bay back line, Seattle continued their high press yet failed to convert.
In the 30th minute of the match, Seattle Reign FC forward Jordyn Huitema missed out on a prime scoring opportunity thanks to a turnover by Bay FC defender Joelle Anderson in her clubs 1-1 draw on the road against Bay FC on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at PayPal Park. (Photo by Kym Fortino courtesy of Seattle Reign FC)
In the 30th minute of the first half, Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji slipped past the Reign back line and slotted the ball into the corner of the net, just past the reach of goalkeeper Claudia Dickey as her shot hit both posts before skittering over the line. Bay was able to use their momentum from a huge save from goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz on the other end to immediately move into the attacking third, as Kundananji was able to get the shot off despite Seattle defender Jordyn Bugg being right on her hip. An assist from Bay midfielder Caroline Conti to Kundananji was the difference in a 1-0 score at half. Although the Reign had nearly 70% of the possession in that first half and seven corner kick opportunities, they only had four shots on target and went into the break trailing by a goal on the road.
In the 50th minute of the match, Seattle Reign FC forward Jordyn Huitema scored the equalizer on a header goal in her clubs 1-1 draw on the road against Bay FC on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at PayPal Park. (Photo by Kym Fortino courtesy of Seattle Reign FC)
Opening the second half, Reign FC forward Jordyn Huitema secured the equalizer through a well-placed header off a set piece from midfielder Sam Meza. Huitema set up in the box, took a step back to connect with the ball, and used her height to her advantage to continue utilizing her elite advantages in set pieces. It was the first goal this season allowed by Bay FC in the second half, and was an important equalizer from Seattle playing in a difficult venue for an away side.
“I feel like I can find pockets, find spaces, connect the team a little bit more, and obviously we have the speed up front to stretch the lines as well. I think we’re really finding our moment and learning how to use everyone’s assets the way they need to be used, and I think time will just allow us to continue to flourish.”
After coming out strong from halftime, Seattle allowed Bay to get more into the game with multiple chances on goal. Both teams continued to battle, with defenses stepping up on both sides, yet the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Another notable headline of the game was Reign FC defender, club original, and captain Lu Barnes’ minutes milestone. Barnes became the first player in NWSL history to surpass 20,000 regular-season minutes played, and credited her teammates and coaches for the legacy she feels fortunate to have built in Seattle.
“It’s been a wild journey. I love that I’ve been able to do it with one club, I’m super proud of that. I’m nowhere and no one without the team around me, and the amazing coaches I’ve had. I truly want to continue to make an impact on and off the field regardless of my role. I take it very personally and it’s really important to me. So, I’m not really here for the awards, I just want to win and I want to be competitive and I want to grow this league.”
Quick Reign notes
11,564 was the announced attendance at PayPal Park for this NWSL regular season match between our visiting Seattle Reign FC and Bay FC.
Following tonight’s result, Reign FC holds an all-time record of 0-2-1 against Bay FC across all NWSL competitions.
Through six games this season, Reign FC has six players with a goal, tied for the third-most scorers in the league.
Reign defender Lauren Barnes became the first player in NWSL history to reach 20,000 regular-season minutes played tonight. The most experienced player in league history holds the record in games played (236), games started (227) and minutes played (20,059).
Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey reached 100 regular-season saves tonight, becoming the fourth goalkeeper in Reign FC history to hit the milestone. The fourth-year goalkeeper has 19 saves in the 2025 season, the fifth most in the league.
Reign forward Jordyn Huitema scored the equalizer in the 50th minute off a cross, marking her first goal of the season. The Canadian international now has 11 regular-season goals in her NWSL career. Huitema finished the match with a team-leading six shots, tying her single-game career high for the 23-year-old attacker.
What’s next?
With one away point gained after this road draw, our Seattle Reign FC will return home to face the first-place Kansas City Current on Friday, May 2nd at Lumen Field with a kickoff time of 7:30PM PDT. This match will air on NWSL+ for fans unable to attend but looking to catch the action, and if you’d like to be surrounded by fans of the Reign when you’re watching this match, you can always head to the official home of Circling Seattle Sports: Rough & Tumble Pub! With more than enough televisions for ALL of the sports, local brews, great food, there isn't a better place to catch a game and R&T is an especially great place to watch any Reign match considering that it’s Seattle's home to women's sports!
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Check out our previous Seattle Reign FC articles here.
Check out our previous articles with writing for CSS by Becca Weinberg here, and her work with Lookout Landing here.
Cover photo and photos in this article by Kym Fortino courtesy of Seattle Reign FC
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