In their only midweek game of the season, Seattle Reign FC lost 2–1 against the Washington Spirit. It was the first meeting between the two teams this season.
With the loss, Reign FC (6–6–6, 24 pts) have only won one road game during the 2016 season. Seattle has not won on the road since April 24th against the Boston Breakers.
Reign FC came out looking to attack early, consistently getting forward in the opening minutes of the match. However, the first real chance in the game went to the Washington Spirit in the 42nd minute. Cheyna Williams was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick for the Spirit. Christine Nairn took the resulting penalty, but missed wide of the post.
The first goal of the match came in first half stoppage time from Crystal Dunn. Dunn cut through the defense and dribbled into space just outside the top of the box.
The forward then launched a shot into the upper 90 just inside the far post to give the home side a 1–0 lead moments before the halftime whistle blew. This ended Seattle’s three game streak of taking the lead into the half.
Washington would double their lead in the 61st minute of the match. Dunn won the ball in Reign FC’s defensive third, and sent in a long-distance shot. Haley Kopmeyer was able to deflect the initial shot, but Williams was there to finish the second chance.
After a lightning delay in the 67th minute, Reign FC cut the Spirit lead in half. Nairn was called for a handball in the box, leading to a Seattle penalty kick. Kim Little stepped up to the spot and placed the ball in top shelf to make the score line 2–1.
Little was awarded Reign FC’s player of the match for her performance on the night. The goal was Little’s fifth on the season, good for second-most on the team, and played the full 90 minutes for Seattle.
Tonight’s result means Reign FC remains on 24 points this season and is in fifth place on the NWSL table. Seattle has not yet been eliminated from playoff contention, and is five points behind the Western New York Flash for fourth place.
Both the Washington Spirit (12–3–3, 39 pts) and Portland Thorns FC have clinched 2016 NWSL playoff berths, while Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash, and Seattle Reign FC compete for the final two spots.
Up next, Reign FC return to Memorial Stadium for their final home game of the season, when they face the Washington Spirit. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m PT and the match will be streamed on youtube.com/nwsl.
