Seattle Reign FC tallied their first preseason win of 2016 with 2–0 triumph over Portland Thorns FC on Sunday in front of a crowd of 5,133 at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. Tonight’s match was the first of three in a seven-day span, as Reign FC participates in a preseason tournament that also features the Houston Dash and Oregon State University.
Portland nearly got on the board during the 26th minute when a header from Christine Sinclair bounced off the crossbar, and was subsequently cleared by Jessica Fishlock. The teams went into halftime knotted up at 0–0.
Defender Carson Pickett, who was selected with the 4th pick in the 2016 college draft, made her Reign FC debut immediately after halftime, coming in for Kendall Fletcher. Barnes shifted to center back while Pickett was stationed on the left.
Midfielder Havana Solaun put Reign FC on the board in the 75th minute with a goal on her second touch after subbing in for forward Manon Melis. Jess Fishlock, who would also factor on Seattle’s second goal of the match, crossed the ball from the left flank to midfielder Kim Little, who found Solaun in the box for a two-touch finish past Thorns goalkeeper Michelle Betos. Two minutes later, midfielder Fishlock added some insurance with a header past Betos on a corner from Lauren Barnes.
Goalkeeper Hope solo recorded one save and a clean sheet.
Portland kept the pressure on after Fishlock’s goal, mounting intense pressure against Reign FC’s defense to try and answer Seattle’s 2–0 lead. Forward Dani Foxhoven was fouled by Tobin Heath in the 87th minute resulting in a free kick opportunity for Portland.
The first preseason match of the year saw new faces on the field for Reign FC, including training camp invitee Lindsey Elston, who came in for captain Keelin Winters at the 62th minute. In total, 17 players took the pitch for Reign FC.
Reign FC continues the pre-season tournament versus the Houston Dash on Wednesday, March 30 at 5 p.m. at Providence Park and will wrap up their week in Portland against Oregon State University on Saturday, April 1 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for both matches are available at http://www.portlandthornsfc.com/tickets
Reign FC will return home to host its annual Community Shield Match against the University of Washington on Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. PT.
The Community Shield Match is a benefit for Seattle Public Schools. Reign FC has made tickets available at no cost. Tickets are available now at https://www.reignfc.com/CS. There is a 10 ticket limit per account; tickets are required for entry. Tickets to the Community Shield Match are also included in every Seattle Reign FC season ticket membership.
