Seattle Reign FC vs Gotham FC

The 2025 NWSL season kicked off with an intense battle at Lumen Field as Seattle Reign FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC played to a 1-1 draw on March 15. Both teams had stretches of control, with debutants making an impact and defenses stepping up to keep things level.

The opening 45 minutes were a tactical chess match, with Gotham FC pressing high and the Reign looking to break through on the counter. Despite Gotham outshooting Seattle 6-2 in the first half, neither team managed to put the ball in the back of the net. Both defenses held firm, with Gotham limiting Seattle to zero shots on target before the break.

Gotham came out of halftime with urgency, and it didn’t take long for them to capitalize. In the 47th minute, Gabi Portilho made a dream start to her Gotham FC career, finishing a right-footed strike from inside the box to put the visitors ahead 1-0.

Seattle, however, refused to back down. Pushing forward in search of an equalizer, they found their breakthrough in the 69th minute. Emerging talent Emeri Adames, coming off the bench, made an instant impact by slotting home the tying goal in her NWSL debut. The home crowd erupted as the Reign finally broke through Gotham’s defensive wall.

Both teams had their moments in the final 20 minutes, but neither could find the decisive goal. Gotham continued to push with sharp attacking play, while Seattle remained dangerous in transition. In the end, both sides walked away with a point—a fair result in a game where each had its moments of control.

[Photography by Jackie Shinstrom]