Cloe Lacasse netted a remarkable three goals as the Utah Royals secured a 3-0 victory over the Reign on Sunday, resulting in Seattle’s elimination from the National Women’s Soccer League Playoffs.
Lacasse, who joined the Royals from Arsenal in August, displayed an impressive performance by scoring all her goals in the first half during the match held in Sandy, Utah. This feat marked the first hat trick of the NWSL season.
The Canadian forward found the back of the net twice in the opening 20 minutes and capped off her scoring spree with another goal during first-half stoppage time.
Despite their efforts, the Royals (7-14-3) are currently sitting in 10th place in the league standings, which places them below the playoff cut-off, though they remain optimistic about their postseason prospects with two games still to play. In contrast, the Reign (5-14-5) are struggling, having lost five consecutive games. This marks the first time Seattle will miss the playoffs since 2017, after reaching the NWSL final last year.
Adding to Seattle’s woes, Angharad James-Turner received a second yellow card just 16 minutes into the match, which left the team at a disadvantage.
In another match, the Washington Spirit triumphed over Racing Louisville with a scoreline of 4-1. Makenna Morris made significant contributions for the Spirit, scoring twice in the first half.
Ashley Hatch extended Washington’s lead by converting a penalty in the 56th minute in front of their home fans at Audi Field. Louisville (6-11-7) found the net through Emma Sears in the 72nd minute, but they remained below playoff contention in ninth place.
Lena Silano added a stoppage-time goal for the Spirit to solidify their win, keeping them in second place in the standings with just two matches left in the regular season. Notably, Trinity Rodman made her return to action as a substitute after being sidelined with a back injury since September 20.
The Spirit’s victory also ensured a playoff spot for the Chicago Red Stars.
In a separate match, the Houston Dash defeated the San Diego Wave 2-0, thanks to Barbara Olivieri, who contributed both a goal and an assist.
Olivieri scored from the penalty spot in the 30th minute, marking Houston’s first penalty of the season. Ramona Bachmann then secured a second goal for the Dash in the 72nd minute, finishing off a cross from Olivieri at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium.
Despite their victory, the Dash (5-14-5) have already been knocked out of playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Wave (5-12-7) has now lost two straight matches but still holds a chance to compete for one of the remaining playoff spots.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell recorded her eighth shutout of the season, showcasing her skills in goal.