Seattle Reign FC locked down a crucial NWSL playoffs slot Sunday with a 3-1 road win over Chicago Stars FC. Midfielder Maddie Mercado broke the deadlock in the 38th minute after Jess Fishlock picked her out with a delivery from the wing.
Despite controlling possession for most of the first half, though, the Reign couldn't extend their lead before the break.
Reign Dominates in Chicago Behind Maddie Mercado
That changed quickly after halftime. Substitute Nerilia Mondesir wasted no time off the bench, finishing inside the six-yard box in the 80th minute.
Just four minutes later, Mercado headed home a cross from fellow sub Brittany Ratcliffe to complete her brace. The two goals pushed her season tally to 10. They also made her one of just 14 players across the NWSL to reach that mark this year.
Chicago's Simone Charley scored a consolation in the 90th minute. But, despite the goal, Chicago had no answer for Seattle's second-half surge.
Where the Win Puts Seattle in the NWSL Standings
With 43 points, Seattle Reign FC now sits eighth in the NWSL standings, just on the right side of the playoff line heading into the final stretch. The Reign will next visit the sixth-place Utah Royals on October 23rd.
