To celebrate Reign FC’s historic fifth year, we are counting down the top five games from Seattle Reign FC’s 2017 NWSL season. Join us as we look back at some of the biggest games and see what were voted favorites of the year.
Fans cast their vote to select the top four games of the Reign FC season. Coming in at number one is Reign FC’s wild 5–4 victory over Sky Blue FC on July 22nd at Memorial Stadium.
For a match that entered halftime with Reign FC holding a 1–0 lead, no one could have thought eight goals would come in the second half of play. Reign FC emerged from the offensive outburst to win by a final score of 5–4, tying the NWSL record for most combined goals in a single game.
The match was in a way a reflection of the season’s Sky Blue and Reign FC had, with their offensive firepower leading the way. The clubs were two of three NWSL teams to score over 40 goals this season, the most in league history, and both teams had players in the top three in goals scored.
After Reign FC grabbed a 4–0 lead thanks to an own goal, a goal from Beverly Yanez, and two from Megan Rapinoe, Sky Blue FC mounted a furious comeback. In just 16 minutes of play, the visitors found themselves back in the match and the scoreline reading 4–4.
“On the bench you get to 4–0, and you have to figure out what changes you need to make to see the game out,” said Seattle Reign FC head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “I knew they weren’t done yet. Sky Blue are a very good side, and really dangerous.”
When forward Sam Kerr tied the match in the 76th minute, the stage was set for Rapinoe’s game-winning goal, which came with just four minutes left in the match. Forward Katie Johnson collected the ball at the top of the box and created enough space to drop the ball off to Rapinoe. Rapinoe’s shot sailed past diving goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and into the upper right corner of goal.
“The match winner,” said Rapinoe when asked which goal was her favorite on the night. “You always want to show up in those moments. I’ve put a couple free kicks into the goal post though, so it was nice to actually get one on frame.”
The win gave Reign FC the lead in the all-time series between the two sides with a 4–3–5 all-time at the time. It was one of four multi-goal matches for Rapinoe this season, and her second career hat-trick.
