Reign FC sees unbeaten streak snapped in road loss to the Spirit
All good things must come to an end eventually.
And on Saturday evening, Reign FC saw its eight-match unbeaten run come to an end in a 3–0 road loss to the Washington Spirit at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.
With the loss, Seattle remains in second place in the league, tied with the Chicago Red Stars with 21 points.
Seattle’s record is now 6–3–3 and this is the first time since the 2013 season that Reign FC has suffered three losses in a campaign.
After possession swayed between the two sides in the first half, Reign FC conceded the game’s first goal in the opening moments of the second half. Spirit forward Laura del Rio drove to the endline before sending in a cross that forward Amanda Da Costa tapped home to put the home side up 1–0 in the 46th minute.
Reign FC did well to create chances after going down a goal, but the Spirit’s defense remained stout and determined to shut down Scottish international Kim Little.
As the second half continued, the Spirit continued to create dangerous chances on the counter attack. In the 69th minute, midfielder Diana Matheson drove toward Reign FC’s backline before slotting a ball over for forward Crystal Dunn. Dunn turned outside with the pass before firing a low shot past Haley Kopmeyer.
Dunn would remain dangerous on the attack, drawing a penalty for the home side 14 minutes later.
Midfielder Christine Nairn stepped up to the spot and placed her kick past Kopmeyer, who guessed correctly, but couldn’t get a hand to it.
Reign FC finished the night with 13 shots and four shots on goal compared to the Spirits 10 shots, five of which were on goal. Seattle also had six total corner kicks compared to the Spirits two, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
On the defensive end, Kopmeyer made two saves on the night, including a stellar stop to deny a volley from Matheson in 79th minute.
With the loss, Seattle saw its eight match unbeaten streak snapped.
Saturday’s match was the second of three between Reign FC and the Spirit during the 2015 regular season. Seattle won the first matchup 3–1 on May 2. Reign FC will travel back to the SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md. for the third and final regular season contest on September 5.
Reign FC will now head back to the Pacific Northwest for a home-and-home series with the Portland Thorns beginning on July 22 at Providence Park. The Thorns will then travel up the road to face Reign FC on the Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium four days later on Sunday, July 26. Tickets to that match are still available here.
