Seattle Reign FC has five players on loan this offseason, with four players suiting up in the Australian W-League and Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi playing in the Japanese Football Association’s Empress Cup. Here’s an update on their most recent results abroad.
Newcastle Jets vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Kendall Fletcher)
The Wanderers grabbed their third victory on the season, and their second in a row, defeating the Newcastle Jets 2–1. Katie Stengel’s brace helped the Wanderers to three points, and Fletcher once again played the full 90.
The win moved Western Sydney up two spots on the W-League ladder, now sitting in 5th place. Western Sydney’s next match is the Sydney Derby this Friday, December 30th against Sydney FC. Kickoff is set for 12:00am PT.
Melbourne City FC (Lauren Barnes, Jess Fishlock, Beverly Yanez) vs Perth Glory
City was able to come from behind and retake the lead after going down 1–0 to Perth, however, a brace from Sam Kerr saw Glory hand City their third consecutive loss. Fishlock’s second half goal sparked the comeback for Melbourne, as they would eventually take the lead 2–1.
Perth would storm back to tie the match at two goals apiece, and minutes after the equalizer, Barnes would be sent off with her second yellow card of the match. With just six minutes remaining, Kerr scored the game-winning goal.
Despite three straight losses, Melbourne is still in playoff position, sitting in fourth on the W-League ladder. City will play again after the New Year, facing Adelaide United on January 2nd. Kickoff is set for 12:15am PT.
Melbourne Victory (Christine Nairn) vs Canberra United
The Victory are still in search of their first win of the W-League season, and hope to earn it tonight in upset fashion against second place Canberra United. Kickoff is set for 10:05pm PT.
Nairn has started and played the full 90 in every match for the Victory this season, all while wearing the captain's band.
INAC Kobe Leonessa (Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi) vs Albirex Niigata Ladies
To book their spot in the final, INAC Kobe Leonessa defeated Vegalta Sendai Ladies 3–1 in their semifinal match. It took extra time to separate the two sides, with the match tied 1–1 after the first 90 minutes. Two extra time goals from Mai Kyogawa proved to be the difference for Kobe.
The Empress Cup final was decided in penalty kicks, after a scoreless 120 minutes between Kobe and Albirex Niigata Ladies. Kobe converted five of their kicks to Albirex Niigata’s four to be named the 2016 Empress Cup champions.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
