Seattle Coach Laura Harvey Sends Subtle Warning to Portland’s Becky Sauerbrunn While Recalling Intense English Rivalry

“It’s like playing in the Champions League every weekend,” Laura Harvey once remarked while praising the difficulty level of the NWSL. For someone who has enjoyed coaching stints in Europe, that statement is a true testament to how far the American League has come in matching the standards of top European competitions. But who would’ve thought the same could be said when it comes to rivalries?

Everyone knows how serious the beautiful game is in Europe, right? Over there, football is nothing short of a religion, and fans will go to unimaginable lengths not only to watch the game but to fiercely defend their club’s or city’s badge. While we might wonder if the same passion exists here in the States, one thing’s for sure: Laura Harvey hasn’t forgotten how intense things can get between the fans back in England.

In a special live episode of the Good Vibes FC segment from The Women’s Game podcast — co-hosted by Seattle Reign star Lynn Biyendolo and former USWNT stars Sam Mewis and Becky Sauerbrunn — the trio invited former Arsenal manager Laura Harvey for a tête-à-tête. During their chat, Harvey was asked whether she still gets that rivalry feeling as the head coach of one of the teams involved in the NWSL’s biggest clashes.

Interestingly, the 44-year-old agreed, recalling a story about one of the local teams she used to support back in England — Coventry City. Though the club isn’t widely talked about today, they once played in the Premier League, and Harvey still believes they’ll make their way back someday. She then shared an incident from one of their clashes against Aston Villa — a moment she says she’ll never forget.

“I remember being at a game in the away section and the home fans ran at us and beat the crap out of loads of people in their away. That’s England’s rivalry,” reminisced Laura before adding her experience in America saying, “And that is something when I came to Seattle, I went to a Sounders game and I couldn’t believe Timbers fans were walking through the stadium in Timbers shirts.”

Watching the scene unfold, Harvey admitted that her muscle memory almost kicked in, as the moment stirred up the same fierce rivalry feeling she once experienced between Coventry and Aston Villa fans. “Everything in me wanted to just [punch them]. That’s true rivalry,” Harvey added, sparking laughter across the room.

But before the crowd could recover, Sam Mewis dropped another witty line, playfully aiming a warning at Becky Sauerbrunn. Since Harvey is a Seattle Sounders supporter and the discussion touched on their MLS rivals, the Portland Timbers, Mewis jokingly teased her former USWNT teammate, saying, “Becky, watch out!” — sending the entire room into hysterics.

Be that as it may, it’s quite a comical anecdote from Harvey. Even today, as she coaches the Reign, one can bet the former USWNT assistant coach still carries that same feeling deep down. But more importantly, the real talking point is how clear it is that Laura truly feels as though she’s back in England. Then again, we reckon that the sporting perspective also gives her a nostalgic feel, doesn’t it?

Laura Harvey puts NWSL on a pedestal!

With over two decades of coaching experience under her belt, Laura Harvey has seen it all when it comes to different leagues across the globe. From her stints with Birmingham and Arsenal to managing in the Champions League, her move to the NWSL with Seattle Reign wasn’t expected to be the toughest test of her career. But talk about surprises; the English coach has grown to deeply appreciate the quality and competitiveness the American league has to offer.

In an interview earlier, she said, “I think one thing you know about the NWSL, is it’s really difficult to play in.” Explaining further why the NWSL stands out, she pointed to the game’s intensity: “The pace at which the games are played in this league is like international level.” But her praise didn’t stop there.

Harvey also emphasized the importance of off-the-pitch factors — highlighting the need for better training environments, top-class facilities, and strong player support systems. She believes these elements are key to the league’s continued growth. “Commercially and as brands and as markets, there’s nothing like the NWSL around the world,” added Laura.

Tough competition, top-notch facilities, and, more importantly, fierce rivalries—what more Laura Harvey could have asked for?