RAPINOE TALLIES FIRST-EVER CAREER HAT-TRICK IN REIGN FC’S 5–1 VICTORY OVER THE FLASH
In its first match of the 2015 NWSL season, Reign FC put on quite a show, defeating the Western New York Flash five goals to one on Friday evening.
Forward Megan Rapinoe tallied her first-ever career hat-trick, as well as Reign FC’s first hat-trick. Midfielder Jess Fishlock and forward Beverly Yanez each notched a goal of their own as Reign FC opened the new season on the Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium.
“I thought the game started with both teams playing quite frantic but once we scored we settled down a little bit and started to play the game that we want to play,” said head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “Goals change games and we pride ourselves on creating opportunities. Overall, I am happy with the result but I think we can get better performance-wise.”
Seattle took the lead early in the 24th minute when Rapinoe sent a long cross into the box that found Fishlock, who one-touched the ball into the lower left-hand corner past Flash goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. Fishlock has now scored four times against the Flash since Reign FC’s inaugural season in 2013.
It looked as if Reign FC were going to double their lead in the 37th minute when defender Kendall Fletcher was fouled in the box during a free-kick. Scottish international and 2014 League MVP Kim Little stepped up to the spot but fired her shot just wide of goal.
Eight minutes into the second half, Reign FC found their second goal of the night when Little dribbled the ball toward the top of the box before laying it out wide for Yanez who settled and fired a hard shot just past D’Angelo.
The visitors cut the lead in half in the 68th minute when a combination play between forward Sydney Leroux and midfielder Samanthaa Mewis freed Mewis into space. Her cross found forward Jordan Angeli at the top of the box who fired her shot past Solo to cut the lead in half.
Three minutes later, Rapinoe would tally her first goal on the night after she rose above her defender to head in cross from forward Merritt Mathias. After a hard shot from Fishlock was saved, Rapinoe was there to head in the rebound and tally her second goal in the 74th minute.
Rapinoe’s hat-trick would be completed in the 86th minute after a give and go with Fishlock put her in behind the Flash defense and she fired her shot past D’Angelo.
“From a result standpoint, it’s great. We are a little disappointed about the goal we let in. Tonight was a huge effort from everyone. The energy from our bench and from the fans was great,” said Rapinoe. “Overall, I think everyone’s just buzzing about being back on the field. We put the work in all offseason… We love playing here and we love playing for this club behind this badge.”
Reign FC will now play a two-game road stand beginning on Saturday, April 18 against the Chicago Red Stars. Kick-off is set for 5:00 p.m. PT. The match will be available via a live, high-definition webstream at YouTube.com/NWSL.
Visit ReignFC.com or call (855) REIGN-FC for details on single match tickets.
MATCH FACTS
Match: Seattle Reign FC vs. Western New York Flash
Date: April 12, 2015
Venue: Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium
Kickoff: 4 p.m. PT
Weather: 57 degrees, partly sunny
SEA: Jessica Fishlock (Megan Rapinoe) 25
SEA: Beverly Yanez (Kim Little) 53
WNY: Jordan Angeli (Samantha Mewis) 68
SEA: Megan Rapinoe (Merritt Mathias) 71
SEA: Megan Rapinoe 74
SEA: Megan Rapinoe (Jessica Fishlock) 86
Lineups
SEA: Hope Solo, Kendall Fletcher, Lauren Barnes, Stephanie Cox, Elli Reed, Keelin Winters, Jessica Fishlock, Kim Little (Danielle Foxhoven, 77), Beverly Yanez (Kiersten Dallstream, 83), Megan Rapinoe, Merritt Mathias (Amber Brooks, 72)
Subs not used: Haley Kopmeyer, Rachel Corsie, Michelle Cruz, Mariah Nogueira
WNY: Sabrina D’Angelo, Whitney Engen, Abby Dahlkemper (Kristen Hamilton), Brittany Taylor, Jaelene Hinkle, Toni Pressley, Samantha Mewis, Becky Edwards, Sydney Leroux, Camilla Kur Larsen (Jordan Angeli, 46), Jasmyne Spencer (Lynn Williams, 59)
Subs not used: Amanda Frisbie, Kristen Edmonds, Chantel Jones
Stats Summary
Shots: Seattle 16 / 9
Shots on goal: Seattle 12 / 6
Saves: Western New York (D’Angelo) 7 / Seattle (Solo) 5
Corner kicks: Seattle 5 / 3
Fouls: Western New York 10 / 4
Offside: Seattle 3 / 1
Misconduct Summary
WNY — Jordan Angeli (caution) 57
Officials
Referee: Christina Unkel
Assistant Referees: Deleana Quan, Joshua Haimes
Fourth Official: Chpalo Street
Attendance: 2642
Photos by JaneG. Photography and Catie Bergman Photography
