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Seattle Reign FC secured a vital spot in the NWSL playoffs on Sunday with a commanding 3-1 victory over Chicago Stars FC on the road. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when midfielder Maddie Mercado capitalized on a precise delivery from winger Jess Fishlock, putting Seattle ahead.
Although the Reign dominated possession for the majority of the first half, they were unable to extend their lead before halftime, leaving the game poised for a decisive second period.
Reign Dominates in Chicago Behind Maddie Mercado
The momentum shifted quickly after the break. Substitute Nerilia Mondesir made an immediate impact by finishing sharply inside the six-yard box in the 80th minute, doubling Seattle’s advantage. Just four minutes later, Mercado completed her brace with a headed goal off a cross from fellow substitute Brittany Ratcliffe. This marked Mercado’s tenth goal of the season, placing her among only 14 players in the league to reach double digits this year.
Chicago’s Simone Charley managed to score a consolation goal in the 90th minute, but it was not enough to counter Seattle’s dominant second-half performance.
Where the Win Puts Seattle in the NWSL Standings
With this victory, Seattle Reign FC climbs to eighth place in the NWSL standings, holding 43 points and sitting just inside the playoff threshold as the season approaches its final stages. Looking ahead, the Reign will face the sixth-placed Utah Royals on أكتوبر 23rd in their next outing.
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