It was an odd journey, especially in the first half, but three points and a clean sheet is three points and a clean sheet. Oh, and Paul Rothrock is still Paulie Primetime.
The big transfer of Obed Vargas to Atlético Madrid was a watershed moment for the Sounders, whose academy continues to produce, and for Obed, who now plays for his longtime favorite team. And yet its true importance is not yet written.
The NWSL introduced its "High Impact Player" rule on Tuesday as a way to keep stars stateside, but with the NWSLPA balking hard, what might the next news be? And how might this new rule affect the Reign, should it go through?
The Sounders had chance after chance after chance in Game 3 of the first round, but despite all the heroism stretching back months, they couldn't get it done.
A strong improvement of a season as 2025 was, it ended with a first round exit for the Seattle Reign. For Lu Barnes, it was the end of the journey, but for the rest of the team, there is a sense of a new beginning.
