Seattle Reign train through international break

With 12 players away, Reign practice on with a goalkeeper coach in goal and eight trialists on the field

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Seattle Reign held training on Thursday with a short roster as 12 players were away on international duty during the extended FIFA international window. With no signed goalkeepers available, goalkeeper coach Lloyd Yaxley stepped in to play in goal, and the team brought in several trialists to fill out the roster. Despite the thin numbers, the training session was intense and focused as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Reign's training during the international break highlights the challenges of managing a roster with many players away on national team duty. The team must find ways to maintain high standards and keep the remaining players sharp, while also integrating new trialists, as they get ready for the start of the NWSL season.

The details

With 12 players away on international duty, the Reign's goalkeeper situation stood out the most, as all three signed goalkeepers - Claudia Dickey, Neeku Purcell, and Evan O'Steen - were away with their respective national teams. To fill the void, goalkeeper coach Lloyd Yaxley stepped in to play in goal during a 10v10 small-sided game. The team also brought in several trialists, including Carolyn Voss, Chloe Seelhoff, Ruby Hladek, Peyton Parsons, University of Portland defender Keeley Dockter, and three other unnamed trialists.

  • The Reign's international break training session took place on Thursday, February 28, 2026.
  • The Reign's season opener against the Orlando Pride is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The players

Lloyd Yaxley

The Reign's goalkeeper coach who stepped in to play in goal during the training session.

Claudia Dickey

One of the Reign's three signed goalkeepers who is currently away with the senior USWNT at the SheBelieves Cup.

Neeku Purcell

One of the Reign's three signed goalkeepers who is currently away with the U.S. U-23s in Florida.

Evan O'Steen

One of the Reign's three signed goalkeepers who is currently away with the U.S. U-19s in Portugal.

Laura Harvey

The Reign's head coach who is focused on maintaining high standards and keeping the remaining players sharp during the international break.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Coachella's always a really important time for us. Those two weeks of being all together, we could get a lot of stuff done, which we did. And now with the players gone away on the FIFA break, it's about making sure that the group that's left behind keep the standards really high and we keep pushing physically, mentally, and tactically in preparation for the season about to start.”

— Laura Harvey, Head Coach (sounderatheart.com)

“I think we only reached maybe 50% of what we can really do. The ceiling's high with this team.”

— Sofia Huerta, Co-Captain (sounderatheart.com)

“The cool thing about the Reign is, regardless of if you have the captain band, everyone's in a position to lead. For the last several years, I feel like I've tried my best to lead the team. Really, being a captain is all about making sure everyone's on the same page and just getting the best out of everyone.”

— Sofia Huerta, Co-Captain (sounderatheart.com)

What’s next

The Reign players still in Seattle will hold closed-door scrimmages this weekend and next weekend against unnamed opponents to stay sharp heading into their season opener against the Orlando Pride on March 15.

The takeaway

The Reign's training during the international break showcases their ability to adapt and maintain high standards despite key absences, as they integrate new trialists and prepare for a crucial early-season matchup against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year.