Reign FC and Racing Louisville conclude suspended match

Seattle Reign FC 1
Racing Louisville FC 0
September 16, 2025
2nd half of suspended match from 9/14/25
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
NWSL Regular Season

Sunday evening in Seattle, the match between Reign FC and visiting Racing Louisville FC was suspended in first half stoppage time. Racing midfielder Savannah DeMelo was taken by ambulance from the field to a local hospital due to a medical event and it was determined that the match would not continue at that time.

The two sides had played to a goalless draw as the half was drawing to a close when DeMelo became in need of medical assistance. The two teams went to the lockers and the match was announced to have been cancelled. The earlier season medical emergency with Savy King of Angel City FC led to a re-evaluation of league procedures. Whereas the May 9 match was allowed to continue at the time, it was determined to suspend this match.

Louisville remained in Seattle as DeMelo received medical treatment. It was announced on Monday that the match would resume Tuesday evening in a closed door setting with a second half kickoff. DeMelo issued a statement of thanks to everyone involved and indicated she is recovering. The NWSLPA issued a statement in support of the match being called.

The first half of the match on Sunday was goalless, but interesting. Louisville played with their foot on the gas and Seattle mostly played to absorb and counter. Reign keeper Claudia Dickey made a number of saves while under a fair amount of ongoing pressure. Seattle did create chances on the other end with Jordyn Huitema and Mia Fishel getting chances on goal.

The story of Sunday though was the medical event that led to the suspension of the match. During stoppage time emergency medical services rushed the field as DeMelo was reportedly unresponsive. The prompt response of the medical staffs and local medical services got DeMelo to a local hospital in short order.

Since the match was called during stoppage time; it was determined that the first half had concluded when the players were sent to the lockers, and the teams would play the second half beginning in the 46th minute. Tuesday also was suddenly and unseasonably warm, with it in the mid-80’s at kickoff.

Katie O’Kane came on for Louisville, replacing DeMelo in the line up.

The resumed match began at s brisk pace as both clubs pushed for a quick goal. Louisville went right at Seattle, but the Reign pushed right back as opposed to slowing, absorbing, and countering.

The tactical approach to the match was intriguing. With the match level and simply a forty-five minute half of a game and both teams rested, putting the foot on the gas made sense. With the only initial sub being for DeMelo, both coaches basically had their subs and windows and could let players loose for the shorter time under the warm weather conditions.

Jess Fishlock would break the goalless deadlock in the 90th minute, finishing low from the top of the box.

A frantic stoppage time followed. The late Fishlock goal would hold up and Seattle would take the three points.

MATCH SUMMARY

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Jess Fishlock (Maddie Dahlien) 90’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

LOU – Ellie Jean (caution) 31’
SEA – Sam Meza (caution) 64’
LOU – Taylor Flint (caution) 90+2’
SEA – Jordyn Bugg (caution) 90+7’

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Lauren Barnes © (Jess Fishlock 85’), Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg; Madison Curry, Sally Menti (Angharad James-Turner 90+5’), Sam Meza; Jordyn Huitema, Mia Fishel (Maddie Dahlien 73’), Nérilia Mondesir (Emily Mason 90+5’)

Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Ana-Maria Crngorčević, Ainsley McCammon, Shae Holmes, Mikayla Cluff, Emeri Adames

Total shots: 15
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 9
Offside: 0
Corner-Kicks: 5
Saves: 4

Racing Louisville FC – Jordyn Bloomer; Arin Wright © (Makenna Morris 84’), Ellie Jean, Ella Hase, Courtney Petersen; Savannah DeMelo (Katie O’Kane 46’, Marisa DiGrande 84’), Ary Borges, Taylor Flint; Emma Sears, Janine Sonis, Sarah Weber (Bethany Balcer 90+5’)
Substitutes not used: Cristina Roque, Madison White, Lauren Milliet, Kayla Fischer, Ángela Barón, Avery Kalitta

Total shots: 17
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 8
Offside: 0
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 6

Referee: Jaclyn Metz
Assistants: Eric Krueger, Devon Dieckman
Fourth Official: Kelsey Harms
VAR: Anya Voigt
Attendance: 8,091

The Sunday match also featured a retirement celebration for Reign forward Veronica Latsko. Latsko had spend the 2025 season rehabbing an injury and will be pursuing a law degree.

Seattle announced that the 8,091 in attendance Sunday will have options in the future as to what to do about their tickets after the cancellation.

photos by Paul Kahl from the Sunday 1st half