Seattle Reign FC suffered a frustrating 3-1 defeat on the road against Angel City FC at BMO Stadium, undone by a three-goal surge before grabbing a late consolation.
A sharp, clinical display from the hosts established a commanding cushion, rendering Sofia Huerta’s sensational stoppage-time strike little more than a silver lining for a Reign side that featured forward Mia Fishel.
An even opening quarter of an hour saw both sides share possession, though Angel City carved out the early intent. Reign defender Phoebe McClernon produced a vital intervention to divert Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s dangerous delivery across the six-yard box over the endline, temporarily averting danger.
However, the pressure told just three minutes later. When Maiara Niehues struck a volley towards goal from inside the area, the ball struck the arm of a jumping defender to hand Angel City a penalty. Ally Sentnor stepped up to the spot and made no mistake, sending the hosts ahead.
Reign rallied immediately and were denied an equaliser by the width of the frame on 25 minutes. A loose clearance fell invitingly to Welsh midfielder Jess Fishlock, whose looping effort struck the woodwork before Maddie Dahlien’s rebound was snuffed out.
The hosts capitalised on that reprieve five minutes before the break. Evelyn Shores curled in a teasing corner, allowing Brazilian defender Borges to rise at the edge of the six-yard box and glance a header past the keeper to double the advantage.
Angel City put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Shores turned provider once more, releasing substitute Taylor Suarez down the left flank. Suarez cut inside with intent before sliding a composed finish into the far right corner.
Reign salvaged a moment of pure quality deep into stoppage time. Huerta collected possession in midfield, drove centrally, and unleashed a ferocious long-range strike from outside the 18-yard box that flew past a helpless Angelina Anderson, closing out a tough evening in Los Angeles.
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