Reign FC 5
Washington Huskies 0
NWSL Preseason Friendly
Seattle, WA – Husky Soccer Stadium
April 5, 2019
Reign FC completed their preseason slate with their annual match in Seattle against University of Washington at Husky Soccer Stadium.
Completing their preseason slate 4-0-1 Reign FC move forward into 2019 with a core of 2018 players and some new additions looking to build on the playoff push and appearance that had them agonizingly close to a third NWSL Championship appearance.
For the match in Seattle, a number of Reign FC players were missing on international duty. It was a good opportunity for minutes against live opposition for some that might not see much action together until the world cup absences begin. The starting 11 could be what Reign Fans see for a number of matches in May and June.
The first half was fairly dominant for the NWSL side, grabbing a three nil lead at the half as should be expected. That is not to say the UW did not have their chances and moments, creating some opportunities and showcasing the quality of the college game.
In the middle of the second half it had moved to five nil and a number of subs cleared the bench to gather some minutes.
An interesting early season story will be the role of Morgan Andrews in the Seattle midfield with Jessica Fishlock in France and other world cup absences coming.
Reign FC kept their core in for the first 15-20 of the second half and by the time it was five nil the subs started coming in and starters like Shea Groom were done for the evening.
With Reign FC changing stadiums to the South and Tacoma, the Friday night preseason match was a chance to suit up one time in Seattle for 2019. The smaller venue was full on a crisp Friday evening.
Reign FC opens their NWSL slate Sunday April 14 at Houston Dash and debuts in Tacoma the evening of April 21 against Orlando Pride.
photos by MEL
