Fishlock Seeks 8th Playoff Spot in 14 Seasons at Seattle Reign
The 39-year-old midfielder plays Sunday in a match that could end her NWSL career, with family and 16,000 fans expected at Lumen Field.
By William Turner ·
Jess Fishlock will play her final possible match for Seattle Reign on Sunday, November 1, against Orlando Pride. A victory secures the eighth and final spot in the National Women's Soccer League playoffs, a milestone that would extend her 14-year run in Washington state.
Reign currently trail NC Courage and Denver Summit in the standings. Courage holds a superior goal difference and sits two points ahead, while Summit is three points back. Courage and Summit face each other on the final day of the regular season, creating a complex tie-breaker scenario for the final berth.
Fishlock, 39, has won three NWSL Shield trophies with Seattle. She has never won the league championship, finishing as runner-up in 2014, 2015, and 2023. The midfielder signed a new contract with Reign in November 2025, one month after ending her international career for Wales. She confirmed in April 2026 that she would retire after the current season concludes.
The club has organized several tributes for the veteran, including a commemorative photo booth and special merchandise. An estimated 16,000 spectators are expected at Lumen Field. Multiple members of Fishlock's family traveled to the Pacific Northwest for the event.
"I don't think I've had this many family out, ever. It's been a little crazy," Fishlock said. "I'm not used to having little Rugrats running around everywhere, taking all of my spare energy that I need. But it's been great."
Fishlock remains the last of Seattle's original three stars to leave the club, following the departures of Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Barnes. Her retirement marks the end of a tenure that included two Champions League titles. After her final match, she will return to Wales as part of Rhian Wilkinson's coaching staff for the national team's World Cup playoff final against Norway.
Before Wales defeated Albania in the semi-final, Wilkinson received a message from Fishlock urging the coach to "call her up" for the final. Fishlock described the note as a joke, noting that Wilkinson understood the humor despite the timing of her retirement. Fishlock said she is excited for the Welsh team's upcoming match.
