Reign FC Remain Undefeated in Preseason With a 2–1 Win Over Oregon State
Seattle Reign FC got goals from defender Michelle Cruz and forward Dani Foxhoven, propelling Seattle to a 2–1 victory over Oregon State University at Providence Park in Portland. Seattle finishes the pre-season tournament 3–0, having beaten both the Houston Dash and Portland Thorns FC earlier in the week.
Reign FC took control early and maintained it for most of the first half. Forward Dani Foxhoven headed home a shot to the left corner of the frame in the second minute, putting the Reign up 1–0.
“It was just bouncing around in the box. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and I was able to get my head on it,” said Foxhoven.
OSU struggled to maintain their shape against Reign FC’s offensive assault. Seattle continued the pressure throughout the half, allowing OSU only a few offensive opportunities. OSU midfielder Natalie Higgins took the Beavers’ first shot in the 19th minute, where goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer made an easy save.
Reign FC doubled their lead in the 29th minute when defender Michelle Cruz tapped the ball into the net after a scramble in front of the net. It proved to be the game winner.
“Oregon State was kind of pulling in and pushing me into the back of their box,” said Cruz. “So I had the opportunity to get around Kim and crossed it to Carson. Carson had a good shot on frame and then it kind of jumbled around. Dani hit it — it hit the post and I was just lucky enough to clean it up.”
Reign FC delivered an aggressive ten shots in the first half heading to the locker room with a 2–0 lead.
OSU were able to cut Reign FC’s lead in half, tallying a goal in the 61st minute. A long cross from the right by defender Helene Haavik set forward Nikki Faris up for a header that got past Kopmeyer. It was the first goal allowed in the pre-season by Reign FC.
Reign FC responded to the goal by laying a heavy assault on the Beavers’ backline, firing shot after shot and keeping OSU’s defense guessing with quick footwork. After coming in for Carson Pickett in the 67th minute, Havana Solaun had two close attempts on passes from Cruz and forward Merritt Mathias.
In total, Reign FC tallied 27 shots during the match, holding OSU to just three shots. Trialists Lindsey Elston and Kathryn Bennett — both midfielders — had solid performances in their first starts for Reign FC. Elston registered five shots while Bennett delivered four including two on frame.
Today’s match had several fresh faces taking the pitch in the starting eleven, including defender Paige Nielsen, and Elston and Bennett. Forward Dani Foxhoven also started the match.
“We’re in a position where we want to challenge the players and push them on,” said Head Coach Laura Harvey. “We tried that again today by giving a few younger players an opportunity to shine.”
The team will return to Memorial Stadium for their final pre-season appearance in 2016 as they take on the University of Washington Huskies on Saturday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Reign FC’s 2016 home-opener against Sky Blue FC is on Sunday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. PT at Memorial Stadium. Tickets are on sale right now at Reignfc.com/tickets. Seats start at just $18.
Match Report
Match: Seattle Reign FC v. Oregon State University
Date: April 2, 2016
Venue: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. PT
Attendance: NA
Goals by Half 2 1 Total
SEA 2 0 2
OSU 0 1 1
Scoring Summary
SEA — 2’ Foxhoven
SEA — 29’ Cruz
OSU — 61’ Faris (Haavik)
Misconduct Summary
OSU — Caution — Sabrina Santarossa
Lineups & Stats
SEA: GK Haley Kopmeyer, D Lauren Barnes (45’ Kendall Fletcher), D Carson Pickett (67’ Havana Solaun), D Michelle Cruz, D Paige Nielsen, M Kim Little (45’ Jessica Fishlock), M Keelin Winters ©, M Lindey Elston (75’ Rachel Corsie), F Kate Bennett, F Dani Foxhoven (58’ Elli Reed), and F Kiersten Dallstream (58’ Merritt Mathias).
Substitutes Not Used: GK Andi Tostanoski, F Beverly Yanez, F Manon Melis.
OSU: GK Bella Geist (45’ Lindsay LaMont), D Miranda Silver (57’ Toni Malone, 80’ Lizzy Coryell), D Greta Espinoza, D Allison Pantuso, M Natalie Higgins, M Sabrina Santarossa, M Annie Govig © (81’ Jessi Witherington), M Emmy Rodriguez, F Emma Jones (25’ Nikki Faris), F Helene Haavik, F McKenzie Redberg (60’ Kayla Latham).
Substitutes Not Used: None.
