Seattle teams had a tense weekend: the Kraken prepare for a tough game, and women’s club Reign earned a hard-fought win in the season opener.
Analysis of Seattle Kraken coach Lane Lambert’s remarks
Ahead of a second game in as many days during a compressed weekend schedule, Seattle Kraken head coach Lane Lambert shared his thoughts with reporters on the team’s preparation. His brief comments, posted on the NHL’s official site, provide insight into the routine but critically important work the coaching staff performs under a tight schedule.
Lambert spoke to the press to discuss the Kraken’s readiness for a back-to-back. Such back-to-backs (two consecutive games, often with travel) are a serious test in the NHL regular season, examining roster depth, player endurance and coaching flexibility. In his remarks, available on video at NHL.com, Lambert likely addressed key areas: assessing the team’s physical condition after the first game, possible lineup rotations to keep players fresh, and tactical adjustments based on the next opponent. While the full content of his talk is not disclosed in the provided text, the fact of the briefing underscores a standard league protocol in which coaches update media on the situation — part of the ongoing dialogue with fans and analysts. In these circumstances, energy management for skaters and the ability to quickly analyze mistakes from the previous game become especially important. For a team fighting for a playoff spot or trying to maintain momentum, every game in a compressed schedule carries added weight, and coaching decisions about who rests and who gets more ice time can be decisive. Thus, even a brief Lambert appearance is part of a larger strategy to adapt to the harsh realities of the modern hockey calendar.
How and where to watch Reign FC vs. Orlando Pride: a complete fan guide
The long-awaited day has arrived for women’s soccer fans: Seattle Reign FC opens the 2026 season against Orlando Pride. The match takes place Sunday, March 15, at 1:00 p.m. local time at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. For those who don’t want to miss a minute, the club has prepared a detailed guide on how to follow the game from anywhere in the world, as noted in the official Reign FC announcement.
The headline news this season is the launch of the free platform Victory+, which will stream a Reign FC match for the first time. The English-language broadcast will be available on most modern smart TVs and mobile devices, as well as online via the website. Commentators JP Dellacamera and Jill Loyden will call the game. To access it, find the "victoryplus" app in your device’s app store or register a free account on the platform’s website.
Fans in Seattle and nearby areas can watch on local channel FOX 13+ (KZJO ch. 22.1/cable 110), with commentators Steve Schlanger, Laura Sott and Kelyn Row. The broadcast will also be available for free streaming via the FOX LOCAL app, supported on iPhone, Android and most popular CTV devices such as Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and on Samsung and Vizio smart TVs. This ensures access for fans not only in Washington but across the Pacific Northwest. A new addition for Spokane residents: this season matches will also air on SWX NonStop Local Sports; the full schedule is available on the broadcaster’s website.
For those who prefer to watch among fellow supporters, the club is hosting a public viewing in Spokane at Flatstick Pub. Visitors who give the code phrase "Reign in Spokane" when ordering can enjoy beer, cider or nonalcoholic drinks on the house, with some limits: the price of a single drink cannot exceed $9, and the total tab is capped at $500. International fans will also be covered: the match will be available on TV Azteca in Mexico, TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, Dubai TV in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and ESPN SSA in Africa. More details about international broadcasts are available in the NWSL’s dedicated guide.
This announcement highlights the growing accessibility and popularity of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which is actively expanding its media presence locally and internationally. The free streaming launch of Victory+ is a strategic move to attract new viewers, while partnerships with regional broadcasters and organized public viewings strengthen the club’s ties to the local community. For fans, this means unprecedented flexibility in how to watch — whether from a home theater, mobile device, or the lively atmosphere of a sports bar.
“Revenge” in the storm: Seattle Reign defeats Orlando Pride in an incredibly tough season opener
Sometimes a victory in sport is valued not just for the three points but for the character shown under extremely difficult circumstances. That was the case for Seattle Reign FC in the NWSL season opener. The team endured a 12-hour trip, a three-hour lightning delay, and resistance from a bitter rival — Orlando Pride, who had beaten Reign twice late last season and dashed their title hopes. A report in The Seattle Times details how Reign took revenge with a 2-1 victory in conditions that defender Ryann Brown called “a test of our character.”
The match in Orlando was overshadowed from the start by weather. After an exhausting flight, the team faced roughly a three-hour delay due to a thunderstorm and lightning strikes near Inter&Co Stadium. Many of the 16,320 spectators did not return to the stands after the break. However, as Reign head coach Laura Harvey noted, such hardships often bring out the best in her team. She said that even during the forced wait, when everyone was soaked and cold, players discussed how to improve their play. “We’re focused this year and know what we’re capable of. There will be no excuses,” Brown conveyed, marking her return from an ACL tear — a serious knee injury common in soccer.
Despite the challenges, the first half was entertaining. Orlando had more shots (14 to 9), but Seattle struck first. In the 24th minute, winger Nerilia Mondesir played a through ball to veteran Jess Fishlock. After beating a defender, Fishlock struck powerfully from about 20 meters to open the scoring. In the second half, Orlando’s main threat reemerged in star forward Barbra Banda — the Zambian striker who missed the end of last season with an adductor tendon injury. Her return was dramatic: in the 51st minute she equalized with her first goal since June of last year. The decisive moment came late. In the 83rd minute, newcomer forward Britt Eckerstrom? [Note: original name is Brittney?] Brittany Ratcliffe, acquired in the offseason from Washington Spirit, met a Mondesir cross with a headed finish to give Reign the win. Ratcliffe humbly credited her teammate: “Coco (Mondesir) is incredibly dangerous. She played a brilliant ball and I just redirected it.”
The victory reflected not only skill but also smart personnel choices. With starter defender Jordin Baggs injured and forward Jordin Hightower traded to Chicago, the coaching staff had to improvise. Mia Fishel debuted in attack, and young Ainsley McCammon earned time in midfield; despite an earlier mistake on Banda, she later redeemed herself by blocking a dangerous shot. Harvey emphasized the fierce competition in midfield, where Sally Menti is also recovering from a knee injury. The next match — a derby against rivals Portland Thorns — will be another stern test. But after a “workmanlike” win, as Ratcliffe put it, Seattle Reign showed it’s ready to fight this season without looking for excuses, even in the harshest conditions.
