In the final regular season meeting with the Orlando Pride, Seattle Reign FC earned a point in a 1–1 draw. This moves Reign FC’s all-time record against the Pride to 1–1–2, with an all-time road record of 0–1–1. This is the first time the two teams have played at the new Orlando City Stadium.
With the draw, Reign FC (8–7–7, 31 pts) is undefeated in their past two road matches. This marks the first time Seattle has earned road points against Orlando, and the second draw all-time between the two sides.
After a tight first half that saw the teams head into a scoreless halftime, the Pride quickly created two goal scoring opportunities in the second half. In the 47th minute, forward Rachel Hill got her head onto a cross from defender Camila. Hill’s header went off the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
Just two minutes later, in the 49th minute, Camila was again involved in creating a dangerous chance, this time one of her own. With space and time at the top of the penalty box, Camila curled in a shot to the far post. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams made a diving save to keep the Pride off the board.
One of Reign FC’s best chances in the match came in the 88th minute of play. Forward Katie Johnson had a give-and-go with forward Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi that put Johnson in on goal. With only goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris to beat, Johnson’s shot was just over the crossbar.
The Pride would be the first team on the board with a goal in the third minute of stoppage time. After midfielder Dani Weatherholt won the ball in Seattle’s half of the field, she played the ball up the field to forward Alex Morgan. Morgan then pushed forward into the box and shot the ball to the far post to give Orlando the lead.
Reign FC found the equalizer just seconds later in the final minute of stoppage time. Naho received the ball on the wing, and after taking a touch served a ball into the box. Midfielder Jess Fishlock rose above the defenders and sent her header past Harris to make the scoreline 1–1.
Rebekah Stott was named Reign FC player of the match for her performance. She played the full 90 minutes of the match, and led the team in tackles with five. Stott has had five or more tackles in a match four times this season, one of just two Reign FC players to achieve the feat multiple games.
Tonight’s result sees Reign FC’s points total for the season improve to 31, but they remain in fifth place. Currently, Seattle is just five points out of the fourth and final playoff spot.
With an upcoming week off due to a scheduled FIFA international break, Reign FC return to Memorial Stadium on Sunday, September 24th at 6:00pm PT when they host Fan Appreciation Night and face FC Kansas City. This is the third and final meeting between the two teams this season. The previous match between the two sides was on June 24th and ended in a 1–1 draw at Memorial Stadium.
