Tonight Seattle Reign hosted a seasonal game at Memorial Stadium in Seattle, WA against Washington Spirit. Earlier this week, both club teams competetd against each other at Maureen Hendricks Field in Maryland where th Spirit had a 2-1 victory. Today's home match was a significant one as it marked a close to Reign's captain Keelin Winters career. Also, in order for the Reign to be able to participate in the NWSL Playoffs for the third year in a row, this was a game that needed to have a positive outcome.
The start of the first half
With the Spirit taking the kickoff, they automatically started putting the pressure to get in an early shot. The Reign maintained their passing and within the first couple of minutes, midfielder Megan Rapinoe gave fellow forward Manon Melis a nice run between the Spirit defenders, but took a shot that goalkeeper Kelsey Wys saved.
The Reign came out strong with multiple shots on goal. Rapinoe and Beverly Yanez worked well together to finish crosses and get a shot on goal. In the 27th minute, Rapinoe crosses from the left to Yanez, who scores with her right leading the Reign 1-0.
Washinton Spirit is eager to get a strong play going as Seattle remains possession of the ball with many shots on goal.
In the 41st minute, Krieger took a free kick and goalkeeper Wys was able to push it out, leaving Spirit players striving for the rebound. As Wys was on the ground from protecting the goal, the ball was still on the lose for a moment until the goalie was safely back up on her feet.
After another shot on goal from Yanez, only one minute of time was added.
Shots from Spirit in the second half?
With the Spirit ready to score and the Reign determined to increase the score as much as possible, Reign forward Melis came out taking a strong on the Spirit goal as Wys yet again blocks it. Yanez was eagerly ready by the goal to be available for another complete finish.
In battling out for posession over the ball, Spirit midfielder Tori Huster brings down Jess Fishlock, leaving the Reign with a free kick. As Reign midfilder Kim Little takes the kick, the ball curves pass the wall of players into the hands of the goalkeeper.
With both teams taking multiple shots on their opponets goal, the goal that Seattle fans had been waiting for couldn't of taken place in a much better timing. In th 78' minute, captain Keelin Winters scores with her right foot from inside the box as the team was given another kick.
Winters comments on her final home match:
"It means the world to me..and it keeps our playoff hopes alive."
- Keelin Winters, Seattle Reign captain and midfielder
As three minutes of stoppage time were added, the Spirit held down their defense well on the Reign, who also continued to maintain control of the ball. Seattle Reign had a total of 23 shots with 14 of them being on goal as Washington Spirit had about 10 shots with six on their opponets goal.
Closing thoughts
With Washington's loss, the Reign had a succesful victory to be able to qualify for the upcoming playoffs. Despite how many shots they had and some slight calls that weren't made by the referee's, they pulled through and truly worked as a team to be able to come out on top tonight as champions. Head coach Laura also made her gratitude known as she stated:
"You saw the true Seattle Reign tonight and I'm really proud of that."
- Laua Harvey, Coach of Seattle Reign
In conclusion, the Spirit was able to put up a competitive game for the Reign in order for them to advance. Both teams displayed great sportsmanship and finished well at the end of the 93 minutes.