OL Reign’s Midfield Struggles Raise Questions in 2026 Season

As the 2026 NWSL season kicks into gear, OL Reign—formerly Seattle Reign FC in branding but still carrying the same competitive legacy—finds itself grappling with an unexpected challenge: a midfield that has yet to click. After three matches, including Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Utah Royals FC, the team sits mid-table with just one win, and much of the discussion around their early form centers on a lack of cohesion in the engine room. With a roster boasting talent like Jess Fishlock and Rose Lavelle, what’s going wrong, and how can head coach Laura Harvey address it?

A Star-Studded Midfield Lacking Synergy

On paper, OL Reign’s midfield should be one of the league’s best. Jess Fishlock, a perennial NWSL standout, brings experience and vision, while Rose Lavelle offers creativity and flair when fit. Add in younger talents like Olivia Van der Jagt, and the Reign have depth and versatility. Yet, in their opening matches, the trio has struggled to control games consistently. Against Utah, Fishlock shone with an assist, but Lavelle appeared isolated, often dropping too deep to receive the ball, disrupting the team’s attacking flow.

Statistically, the Reign’s midfield has underperformed in key areas. Their pass completion rate in the opposition half sits at a middling 72%, per recent match data, and they’ve been outmuscled in 50-50 duels, losing possession in dangerous areas. This was evident in their earlier 2-1 loss to San Diego Wave, where turnovers in midfield led directly to both goals conceded.

Tactical Missteps or Personnel Issues?

Head coach Laura Harvey has traditionally favored a possession-based 4-3-3, relying on her midfield to dictate tempo and transition quickly from defense to attack. However, this season, the balance seems off. Lavelle’s tendency to roam has left gaps, with Fishlock often forced to cover defensively rather than push forward. Van der Jagt, while industrious, lacks the experience to anchor the midfield solo during high-pressure moments.

One theory is that Harvey’s system demands too much from her playmakers without adequate protection. Unlike teams like North Carolina Courage, who pair creative midfielders with a dedicated destroyer, OL Reign’s setup leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks. Another issue may be fitness—Lavelle, returning from a minor injury in preseason, has yet to hit full stride, disrupting the unit’s rhythm.

Potential Solutions

Harvey has options to address the dilemma. First, she could shift to a 4-2-3-1, pairing Fishlock with a more defensive-minded midfielder to free up Lavelle in a No. 10 role. This would provide stability while maximizing Lavelle’s attacking threat. Alternatively, integrating a younger player with fresh legs—perhaps a recent draft pick—could inject energy into the lineup, though it risks disrupting chemistry further.

Another consideration is the transfer market. With the midseason window approaching, OL Reign could target a box-to-box midfielder to complement their stars. Rumors of interest in international talent persist, though budget constraints and roster limits may complicate such a move.

Why This Matters for OL Reign and the NWSL

OL Reign’s midfield woes aren’t just a team problem—they reflect broader trends in the NWSL, where tactical evolution and physicality are increasingly central. Teams that fail to adapt risk being left behind in a league where parity means every match is a grind. For the Reign, a historically dominant side, solving this issue is crucial to their playoff aspirations. A mid-table finish won’t cut it for a club with championship pedigree.

Moreover, the midfield battle often decides NWSL games, as seen in recent high-profile matches. If Harvey can’t find the right formula, opponents will continue to exploit the Reign’s soft underbelly, potentially derailing their season before it truly begins.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming clash with Portland Thorns offers a litmus test. Portland’s midfield, led by players like Sam Coffey, thrives on intensity and structure—exactly the qualities OL Reign currently lack. Harvey will need to make adjustments quickly to avoid another dropped result. For now, fans and analysts alike are watching closely, wondering if this talented squad can rediscover the magic that once made them a powerhouse.

OL Reign’s early struggles are a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough in the NWSL. Execution, adaptability, and grit will determine whether they can turn their season around—and it all starts in the middle of the pitch.