Reign FC 2
Sky Blue FC 1
NWSL Regular Season
May 18, 2019 – Tacoma, WA
Cheney Stadium
Reign FC welcomed the Sky Blue FC to Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium on a sunny May Saturday in Tacoma. In what was a return to Cascadia for Nahomi Kawasumi and a final match before all players were released to their national teams for possible world cup duty in France, a crowd of 3,036 watched a dramatic match of early goals, defensive miscues, a late winner, and emergency goalkeeper duty.
For all the action, shots, corners, and opportunities, the first half was defined by defensive miscues leading to both goals. Reign FC came out with early pressure, but it was clear early Sky Blue was also going to attack. An errant pass in the Reign defensive third in the 10th minute led to the first goal. A nifty sequence on the counter led to a far post cross and Raquel Rodriguez startled the home side and crowd.
But, just three minutes later a Seattle corner was deflected in for an own goal and the match was level.
Sky Blue coach Denise Reddy confirmed the intent to play forward, even on the road, “We were not playing for a tie today.” The two sides would both press throughout, but the match would enter the interval level still at one.
Jodie Taylor finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, pouncing on loose ball on the goal line to touch it in. Taylor was relieved, but also circumspect, “When you’re not scoring goals, the pressure keeps mounting. Shot after shot and then you’re just a bit tense in general. It was nice to see the ball go in. Got a win and hopefully the team carries it on now since a few of us are going to be leaving for the World Cup. I think everyone is happy with where we’re at and how we can keep moving forward.”
It was the last match for World Cup duty bound players like Steph Catley and Jodie Taylor for the Reign, while US players for both sides were already released and several others sat out the match before heading to France. It was also the first match of the year, and 45 important minutes for Steph Catley, “It felt amazing. It’s been a long time coming. This rehab in particular has been a difficult one. Missing these games for Reign and with the World Cup so close, it’s been really tough, but I felt really good and 45 minutes was my max today, but I would have loved to play more. It was amazing to be out there and I’m so proud we got the three points as well.”
In stoppage time though, disaster struck, as Michelle Betos was unable to finish the match after a save, injuring her right ankle. Reign FC had already used up all three subs, so the emergency goalkeeper duties fell to Morgan Andrews to close out the final moments. Sky Blue managed a ball into the box, forcing Andrews to step up and make a play, catching the ball easily mid box, and moments later it was over. “It was an extremely unfortunate incident. Michelle is one of the best keepers and teammates a player could ask for and I wish her a speedy recovery. The team did a magnificent job of holding on for that win. In the end, I think you saw players winning their battles, doing their jobs and there were no dangerous opportunities for the other team, so I think we did a good job.”
NWSL sides now have to manage their rosters without their World Cup players and the league takes a brief break. The imminent return of Jessica Fishlock, who had won the UEFA Champions League earlier in the day while on extended loan to Olympique Lyon, could not come at a better time for the Tacoma side.
The returning Naho was honored pre-match as a Reign FC Legend.
For photo gallery of the match click here.
kicker and top photo by Vanya Tucherov
mid article photo by Tonya Ritchey Rosenberg
Below article and Naho photo by MEL
BOX SCORE
Reign FC vs. Sky Blue FC
Date: May 18, 2019
Venue: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Wash.
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. PT
Weather: 66 degrees, sunny
Attendance: 3,036
Goals by half: 1 2 Total
RFC 1 1 2
SBFC 1 0 1
Scoring Summary
SBFC – Raquel Rodriguez (Nahomi Kawasumi) 10’
RFC – Julie James (own goal) 13’
RFC – Jodie Taylor 78’
Misconduct Summary:
SBFC – Savannah McCaskill (caution) 45+1’
RFC – Ifeoma Onumonu (caution) 90+8’
RFC: GK Michelle Betos, D Steph Catley (D Christen Westphal 46’), D Lauren Barnes, D Megan Oyster, D Theresa Nielsen, M Kristen McNabb, M Morgan Andrews, M Beverly Yanez, F Darian Jenkins (F Bethany Balcer 73’), F Jodie Taylor (F Ifeoma Onumonu 85’), F Shea Groom
Substitutes Not Used: GK Lydia Williams, M Morgan Proffitt, F Jaycie Johnson, F Maegan Kelly
Head Coach: Vlatko Andonovski
Shots: 20
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 12
Corner kicks: 11
Saves: 2
Sky Blue FC: GK Didi Haracic, D Caprice Dydasco, D Domi Richardson, D Erica Skroski, D Paige Monaghan, M Julie James (Amandine Pierre-Lewis 79’), M Nahomi Kawasumi, M Sarah Killion, F Imani Dorsey, F Raquel Rodriguez, F Savannah McCaskill (Jen Hoy 85’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Kaylan Marckese, M Sabrina Flores, M Kenie Wright, F McKenzie Meehan
Head Coach: Denise Reddy
Shots: 7
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 7
Corner kicks: 2
Saves: 4
Seattle Reign
