As the Chicago Red Stars prepare to host the Seattle Reign this Sunday in the National Women's Soccer League, VAVEL USA has decided to put the spotlight on Japanese international Rumi Utsugi. The versatile defender is not as well-known as some of her teammates, such as Kim Little, Jess Fishlock or fellow countryman Nahomi Kawasumi, but her talent level makes her one to watch in this weekend's matchup as the Reign push for a playoff spot.
From Montpellier to Seattle
Utsugi spent many years in the first division of the Nadeshiko League in Japan before moving to Montpellier H.S.C. in 2010. During her time in France, Utsugi managed 28 goals in 201 appearances before ending her career with Montpellier to join the Reign this summer. After an initial delay due to being away on international duty, Utsugi then began her NWSL career with her first appearance for the Reign on July 9th against the Western New York Flash as a substitute. Utsugi grabbed a goal for herself although Seattle ended up losing the match. Since then, Utsugi has gone on to start in two matches for the Reign and has seemingly begun to adjust to the style of play that the Reign operate with.
Utsugi's versatility key for Seattle
On the official roster, Utsugi is listed as a defender but she can and has played in midfield for her country and her current team. At each opportunity in midfield, Utsugi has excelled and it was her positioning in midfield which allowed her to get her first goal for the Reign. In other matches, Utsugi has lined up at left back and most recently, as a left wing back when Seattle faced off against rivals, Portland Thorns. In fact, Utsugi's play allowed Seattle to not only shut down the left side of Portland's play but also enabled her passing technique to be highlighted as well. For Seattle's third goal, Utsugi picked at the ball at the edge of her own penalty area and instead of clearing the ball upfield, found an open Little to start Seattle's break that led to their third goal.
Her forward play has always been a feature, in particular for Japan who have played her at left back and a defensive midfielder. It is this versatility that ill make Utsugi an interesting piece of the puzzle for Seattle this weekend as she could line up anywhere in the defensive third and not skip a beat. If the Japanese international lines up at left-back, she will be up against newly acquired Red Star Stephanie McCaffrey who seems to have found a new lease of life in Chicago after stalling in Boston. If Utsugi is placed in midfield by the Reign's head coach Laura Harvey, she will be up against a very capable Vanessa Di Bernardo who is having another outstanding season for Chicago. In any case, Harvey has the opportunity to spring some tactical surprises due to Utsugi's versatility and we will be sure to see them in play this weekend when Seattle push to get all three points and edge closer to a playoff spot.