The theme from the Reign's Saturday win was growth. It was a game they might not have won earlier in the year, and it certainly wouldn't have been 2-0. What has happened to jumpstart the team this summer?
It wasn't a pretty victory, but it was a victory, and the Reign will certainly take it. It was also a wake-up call about their ability to rapidly adjust to new things, and that's something they have to take to heart.
Losing 3-0 and dropping three points at home is never the desired outcome, but the flatfooted start and the injury to one of the big team leaders are bigger worries going forward.
Claudia Dickey set the Reign record for saves with the club and the back line worked overtime to make it happen, but the team lacked finishing in the final third as both Seattle and Denver walked away with a point.
There are good games, bad games, dropped points, disappointments, unexpected victories, and missed opportunities in this beautiful game. For the Reign, however, playing up two and losing by two is a new one.