The latest Seattle Reign FC vs San Diego Wave meeting ended with a decisive road win for the Reign on Sunday night. Two early headers, both from San Diego natives, sealed a 2-0 shutout at Snapdragon Stadium.
Maddie Mercado & Jordyn Bugg Spark Early Seattle Reign Lead
Maddie Mercado opened the scoring in the 17th minute after midfielder Ainsley McCammon found her with a sharp pass inside the box. Mercado got behind defender Perle Morroni to nod it home.
Just three minutes later, Jordyn Bugg doubled the lead off a corner kick. McCammon again played provider, flicking a backward header for Bugg to tap in.
It was the sixth time this season San Diego has been shut out. Still, the Wave generated chances after halftime, finishing with 22 shot attempts and seven corner kicks. But Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey stood firm, recording eight saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Meanwhile, Sandra Paños made her NWSL debut in net for San Diego. She finished with three saves but was put in difficult positions on both goals.
NWSL Scores & Standings After San Diego Wave Loss
The win gives Seattle some momentum after losing two of its previous three matches. The Reign climbed to eighth with 11 points, right on the playoff line. San Diego, meanwhile, dropped to third with 18 points after its fourth loss this season.
