Line Up:

4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. We have Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the goal. For defenders, Phoebe McClernon, Sam Hiatt, Shae Holmes, and Lauren Barnes. In the midfield we have Olivia Van Der Jagt, and Quinn. And for forwards Veronica Latsko, Bethany Balcer, Tziarra King, and Elyse Bennett. Control, movement, and the connection between the midfield and attack is going to be important for the Reign. The midfield and attack is needing to be on the same page in regards to building the attack. The Reign should go for building their attack from the midfield or backline with quick touches and movement on the ball. Working the ball up field, instead of sending long through balls up for Bennett, King or Balcer. I’m not saying stop with the long balls and passes, but try do a combination of both, long balls, and short quick touches and movement up the field to see what works best against Kansas City. Switching it up will keep the Reign from being predictable. Angelina and Jordyn Huitema are on the bench, and most likely, we could see one or both of them come on in the second half. I’m a little surprised Huitema isn’t starting, but at the same time I get why it would be good to save her for the second half. It’s going to be an interesting match. I’m going into this openminded. Lets get into the first half.

First Half Notes

Okay, so this half kind of reminds me of the Reign’s match against the Orlando Pride not too long ago. Not much of an attack from the reign. There’s some disconnection and disjointedness in the Reign midfield. They’re getting on the ball, but they’re not really keeping possession or controlling the midfield. The reign are needing to be more patient on the ball, and are needing to attack more on the wings instead of trying to go centrally. They’re losing possession more centrally, so maybe coming down the wings will be a better option. I think they should try to attack more on the right wing with Latsko, and McClernon, and try to get Bennett, Balcer or VDJ in the box a little more.

When it comes to the second half, I would like to see the reign up their intensity, and attack the goal. The announcers of this match pointed out that Harvey planned on having the Reign play more defensively in the first half, just to see what Kansas City will do, and how they’ll attack. I would like to think in the second half, the reign changes things up and is more aggressive with their attack and press. Over all, the team is doing great defensively. That is still very solid and strong, but now there needs to be a focus on the attack and midfield.

Second Half and Closing Notes

There’s not enough control in the midfield, not enough movement from the midfield and attack, and not enough service in the attack or in the box. The second half was a little better in regards to moving the ball up the midfield, but there wasn’t enough service or support in the attack. Huitema coming in was good, because she likes to press in the attack, and put defenders and goalkeepers under pressure, but even she is needing that support from the midfield and attacking players. The Reign had ten minutes of added time, and from past experience, this is where the Reign thrives. You would think the reign would be on the attack and fighting for a goal at this point, but when Huitema is the only one pressing, and the rest of the team wants to drop back, it’s not going to work out attack-wise.

On the upside, there’s plenty support in the defense. The Reign is proving why they have the best defense in the League, but the midfield and attack needs to be better from this team. I would like to think once Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Megan Rapinoe, Sofia Huerta, Alana Cook, and Jess Fishlock (whose coming back from injury), return, once the team gets readjusted, we could see control and stability return to midfield, and more support and drive in the attack.