In their first preseason match of 2017, Seattle Reign FC won 3–2 over UCLA. It was the club’s first-ever match against the Bruins.
“Great game, great occasion,” said Reign FC head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “Good to test ourselves against a high quality team. Lots for us to work on, but a lot of positives to take out of it.”
The game marked Reign FC debuts for defender Rebekah Stott, forward Veronica Perez and rookies Katie Johnson and Kristen McNabb. Stott started the match, while Perez subbed in for Lindsay Elston in the 75th minute, Johnson subbed in for Paige Nielsen in the 55th minute and McNabb came in for Merritt Mathias in the 67th minute.
Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi scored the first Reign FC goal of 2017, finding the back of the net in the 15th minute of the match. After Seattle earned a free kick just outside the 18, Naho stepped up to take it and slotted it past UCLA goalkeeper Teagan Micah.
The Bruins would find an equalizer in the 34th minute through Anika Rodriguez. UCLA was able to break out of the midfield, and slot in Rodriguez one-on-one with Haley Kopmeyer. Rodriguez finished under pressure to even the match at one goal apiece.
After going into the half with the match tied 1–1, UCLA took the lead in the 59th minute. Sunny Dunphy was able to capitalize on a failed clearance in the box after a UCLA corner kick to give the Bruins a one goal lead.
Kiersten Dallstream tied the match at 2–2 with her goal in the 66th minute. After cutting into the penalty box, Dallstream took on two defenders before creating enough space to fire a shot into the back of the net.
With five minutes left in the match, Elli Reed was fouled just outside the box, setting up a free kick opportunity. Christine Nairn stepped up to take the kick and found the back of the net for the game-winning-goal.
Up next, Reign FC will face the University of Washington on April 8th in their final preseason match. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm PT at Husky Soccer Stadium. Admission and parking to the scrimmage is free and open to the public.
Seattle will open their 2017 NWSL regular season on Saturday, April 15th at Memorial Stadium when they host Sky Blue FC. Single match tickets are now available. To purchase tickets, visit reignfc.com/tickets or call the Reign FC ticket office at (855) REIGN-FC.
