Reign FC Return Home for Cascadia Clash

Reign FC
Reign FC
Aug 24, 2017 · 4 min read

This Saturday, Seattle Reign FC host Austen Everett Foundation Day presented by Portage Bay Café and face Portland Thorns FC at Memorial Stadium. This is the third and final match between the two teams in the 2017 NWSL regular season.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 1:00pm PT. Fans can watch the match through the go90 app, go90.com, NWSL app, or nwslsoccer.com. They can also follow live play-by-play of the match at Reign FC’s official Twitter page, @ReignFC, and can join the conversation using the hashtag #SEAvPOR.

Reign FC’s (7–6–6, 27 points) previous match resulted in their first loss to Sky Blue FC this season, falling 5–4 on the road. Despite the loss, the match marked the second time Reign FC have scored in consecutive road matches in 2017.

“We have to be better,” said Seattle Reign FC head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “It’s a harsh lesson for us but something that we needed. When we played them at home previously we glossed over it because we won. As a group, we’ve reflected on it a lot, took a look at ourselves, and made sure we’ve said whatever happens we aren’t going to let that happen again.”

Reign FC are undefeated against Thorns FC this year with previous matches ending in a 2–2 draw and a 2–0 win. The all-time series between the two teams is even at 6–6–3. A win would mark the first time Reign FC have led the series against their rival. Reign FC goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer is the team leader in most all-time shutouts against Portland with four, and will be looking to extend this Saturday.

Thorns FC’s (10–5–4, 34 points) previous match was a 2–0 victory against the Houston Dash at Providence Park. It was Portland’s eighth shutout of the season, second most in the NWSL. The Thorns FC defense has only allowed 18 goals to-date, also good for second best in the league.

Having won four of their past five matches, Portland’s recent form has been strong. However, their lone loss in those matches came on the road, in a 2–1 result against FC Kansas City. Thorns FC are 2–4–3 on the road this season, tied for the least road wins among teams in the top four on the NWSL table.

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Currently in second place, Thorns FC are beginning to distance themselves from the rest of the teams in the playoff race. Portland is just five points back from the first-place North Carolina Courage, and are five points ahead of the third-place Chicago Red Stars.

“They’re [Portland] in a good spot right now and playing well,” said Harvey. “The difference between them and us right now is that they can see games out. We know that and we must be better at that. We also know that no matter what, come Saturday we’re going to put on a show that our fans can be proud of, because they deserve that.”

Reign FC currently sit in fifth place on the NWSL table, and are just two points out of third place. The NWSL table is close with four teams six points or less out of playoff positioning. Seattle’s next three matches are against teams in the top eight who are in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Points are currently at a premium and it will be crucial for Reign FC to begin a new home winning streak at Memorial Stadium. Seattle has a home record of 5–1–4 this season, and are tied for the least home losses in the NWSL. Having scored in 27 consecutive home matches, Reign FC will look to use offense to continue their dominant form at home, where they have scored 25 of their league high 37 total goals this season.

“I said to the girls that in my opinion there’s no better competition to have than Portland after last Saturday’s game,” said Harvey. “If you don’t want to go out and beat them then you shouldn’t be a part of this club. These are the games, not just because it’s Portland but because of where we are in the table and where we are in terms of playoff position, that you have to show up for.”

Single match tickets and VIP experience packages are available. To purchase tickets, visit reignfc.com/tickets or call the Reign FC ticket office at (855) REIGN-FC.

Reign FC Match Forecast presented by The Seattle Times.

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Reign FC

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Reign FC

Reign FC is a founding member of the nine-team National Women’s Soccer League. #LetItReign

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