After a two hour weather delay, Seattle Reign FC fell 2–0 in their first-ever match against the North Carolina Courage. This is Seattle’s third loss on the season, tied for least in the league, and all three have come in road matches.
The loss makes Reign FC’s (5–3–5, 20 pts) road record this season 1–3–2, and all three losses have been shutouts. Seattle has conceded the first goal in five of their last six matches, and the loss ends a four-match unbeaten streak.
Reign FC’s first chance of the match came in the 16th minute of play off a Megan Rapinoe corner kick. Christine Nairn was able to redirect the ball to Kristen McNabb after it deflected off of Rebekah Stott. McNabb then headed it at the goal, but it hit off the goalpost. Courage goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland then collected the ball to keep it 0–0.
North Carolina opened the scoring off of a goal from forward Ashley Hatch in the 33rd minute. Midfielder McCall Zerboni had control of the ball in the box and sent a pass across the front of the goal. The Reign FC defense failed to clear the ball and Hatch calmly put it in the back of the net.
Rapinoe came close to evening the scoreline just before halftime. Rowland dribbled the ball outside of the box, and Rapinoe was able to steal the ball from the goalkeeper. Rapinoe’s shot rolled just wide of the open net.
The Courage’s second goal didn’t come until well into the second half of the match. Forward Jessica McDonald headed an 81st minute corner kick towards the net, where a scrum of players were near the goal line. Zerboni was able to put it into the back of the net to make it 2–0.
Carson Pickett was named Reign FC player of the match for her efforts. The defender played the full 90 minutes for the fourth consecutive match this season and had six tackles in the match.
Tonight’s result sees Reign FC points total for the season remain at 20, falling to fourth place on the NWSL table. Other results today saw Sky Blue FC earn a win, while Portland Thorns FC tied the Houston Dash, and the Orlando Pride tied the Washington Spirit.
Reign FC’S next match is this Saturday, when they host the Boston Breakers for the first time this season. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm PT. The previous meeting between the two teams was April 29th, with Seattle falling 3–0 on the road.
