Seattle Reign 2024 struggles reveal what went wrong and the stars that shone through

As the 2024 NWSL season winds up, it's tough not to talk about Seattle Reign FC on and off the pitch. Not allowing the natural highs and lows of a competitive campaign, the team managed to change all the challenges into opportunities to celebrate milestones that will live in the memories of the fans for many years. In the following, we review only some of the most impressive moments of the Reign's season 2024 and examine those features that defined this club this year.

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Youth Shines Bright

If there was one clear theme in 2024, it was the influence of youth. Players like Jordyn Huitema, Ainsley McCammon, and Emeri Adames proved that Seattle Reign's future is in good hands. Jordyn Huitema netted her first two NWSL goals in a match against Kansas City on June 9. At just 23, she became the youngest player in the club's history to achieve this feat in a single game.

Even more impressively, Ainsley McCammon made her debut. At 16 years old, signed in July, she was the youngest player to sign with Reign. That same night, McCammon made her professional debut in the Summer Cup against Utah Royals. Her field performance showed maturity well beyond her years and pegged her as a cornerstone in the club's plans through 2028.

And Emeri Adames broke another record, becoming the youngest player in Reign history to score a goal at just 18 years old. This came on May 24 against the Washington Spirit. Her goal also placed her among the six youngest scorers in NWSL history.

While Huitema, McCammon, and Adames shone in their respective moments, youth alone wasn't enough to fix structural problems within the team. A bright future was nice, but a lack of immediate results made it clear that raw talent is simply not enough to get by without a good foundation and a strategic plan.

Roster Revamp and Diversity

One of Seattle Reign’s trademarks in 2024 was significant roster turnover and a high level of lineup variability. With 14 new players brought in throughout the year, expectations were high for renewal and evolution. However, the results told a different story. Despite promising young players and experienced veterans, the team finished 13th in the NWSL regular season standings—a disappointing position for a club with such a storied history.

The Reign used 25 different starting lineups in 26 matches, a figure that, while it does show flexibility in the squad, it shows a clear problem: inconsistency. The changes likely disturbed player chemistry and hindered finding a reliable game plan. Head coach Laura Harvey, known for her ability to adjust, seemed to find no real formula for her team.

Despite a season littered with moments of individual brilliance - Jess Fishlock's record-breaking assists and McCammon's promising debut being among the standouts - the collective fell far below expectations.

Setting the Record

2024 was also a year of celebration for the veterans who have shaped Seattle Reign over the years. One of the most iconic players in club history, Jess Fishlock surpassed Megan Rapinoe's assist record, finishing the season with an incredible 28 career assists.

And, of course, there was the recognition fittingly bestowed upon Megan Rapinoe. On August 25, the Reign officially retired her jersey-a number 15-in a ceremony that drew 16,598 fans. It was the second-largest crowd for a regular-season match in the club's history, further underlining Rapinoe's immense importance to the women's soccer community and the sport as a whole.

Best Moments by the Numbers

The numbers from Seattle Reign’s 2024 season reveal a mix of highlights and challenges. Eleven different players scored during the season—the highest number since 2017—showcasing a collective effort. Ji So-Yun and Phoebe McClernon led the team in consistency, starting 22 matches each. However, the team managed to repeat the same starting lineup in consecutive games only in the final stretch of the season, illustrating a lack of stability.

These stats tell the story of a team that showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to translate those moments into a cohesive and consistent campaign.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The 2024 season for Seattle Reign FC was, without question, one of transition. While there were moments of individual brilliance, the overall performance of the team left much to be desired. Finishing 13th in the NWSL is a direct indicator that the club needs better planning and consistency to ensure successful rebuilding. While young talents such as Ainsley McCammon and experienced veterans like Jess Fishlock are the building blocks needed, the club must get it right through a well-planned, executed plan for 2025.