There are few individuals with as much insider knowledge about the NWSL as Laura Harvey, the head coach of Seattle Reign, who has been actively engaged in the league since its debut in 2013. With a remarkable three Coach of the Year honors, she approaches every discussion with the confidence that comes from true expertise, making bold statements just as easily as she manages the routine challenges of coaching.
“The true, true rivalries, I think, are Portland-Seattle and LA-San Diego,” Harvey shared with CBS Sports in anticipation of the Reign’s upcoming rivalry match against the Portland Thorns. “The rest of them aren’t true rivalries. That’s my own opinion. I just don’t think they are.”
The upcoming match marks the 43rd encounter in this well-established rivalry, consistently highlighted by the excellence of both teams throughout NWSL history, fostering a rich competitive atmosphere.
“It’s authentic, right?” Harvey explains. “And I do think it’s built on respect, actually, which, I think when people talk about rivalry, we don’t necessarily always show that, but I think the thing that these two clubs have done is whether it be Shields or Championships, there’s not many years where either one of these teams has been in that conversation and I think that alone has made the rivalry be even more highlighted.”
As the Reign gear up to clash with the Thorns, they sit at fifth place, while the Thorns are closely trailing in sixth, both aiming to ascend into higher playoff positions. Portland, currently four points behind the Orlando Pride, seeks victory, while the Reign trail by just two. Despite recent struggles against the Thorns, Harvey’s team seems poised for a turnaround – emerging as one of the league’s top squads after a tough 2024 season marked by changes and challenges following key player departures.
“We want to solidify some of the really good aspects we showcased in the first half of the season,” states Harvey, noting their tactical transition focused on versatility and unpredictability in their gameplay.
Moving forward into the season, the Reign is gradually shifting from past struggles to a more proactive strategy as they embrace emerging talents, highlighting the significance of resilience and teamwork in their journey.
