Pre-Match Notes: The Seattle Reign are in high spirits after kicking off their season with a 1-0 win at home against the Washington Spirit. The Reign are now going to be facing the Chicago Red Stars for their second match of the NWSL regular season. The Chicago Red Stars are coming off of a win against the Utah Royals.

In their match against the Washington Spirit, the Reign were dominant when it came to possession and control. The team had no issues getting their attack forward, and creating chances and opportunities for the other attacking players. There was also good movement in the midfield as well, which was something the Reign struggled with last season. The Reign backline also proved to be strong and solid like it was in past seasons. Despite missing Alana Cook due to a knee injury, Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Shae Holmes, and Lily Woodham were able to pick up the slack and hold off the Spirit attack. Additionally, there was great support in the defense from the midfield and attacking players.

Seeing how the Reign played against the Washington Spirit, you’d think the team is all set for the 2024 season; however, an issue from last season has unfortunately carried over to this season, and that is the Reign’s lack of connection in the box and finishing. This lack of connection and finishing has hurt the Reign multiple times in the past. Last season, the Reign’s inability to score would lead to draws or losses, despite the Reign doing well when it came to possession, control, and creating the most chances. These were matches the Reign could’ve won. When it comes to this match, and the Reign’s upcoming games, the Reign is needing to finish and put away their chances if they want to be successful this season.

When it comes to this match against the Chicago Red Stars, the Red Stars, in their match against the Utah Royals, were able to hold off the Royals’ attack, with goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, coming up with multiple big saves in front of the goal. Because of this, the Reign may not get that many chances to score, so it is essential that the Reign team can take advantage of the chances they do get in front of the goal. The main focus for the Reign in this match needs to be their attack, and making sure there is good support and connection in the attack, and in the box.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Claudia Dickey in the goal. For defenders Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Lu Barnes, and Lily Woodham. For midfielders Ji So-yun, Jess Fishlock, Quinn, and Angharad James-Turner. For forwards, Bethany Balcer and Jordyn Huitema.

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: This is almost identical to the lineup from last week, except Barnes is starting in place of Shae Holmes. The midfield and attack are still the same. Because of that, I’m hoping we’ll see better connection and movement in the midfield, as well as better connection in the attack, along with better finishing from the attacking players. I’m interested to see how the midfield and attack will perform this time around, and if we’ll see the team’s chemistry start to develop more. Chemistry will play an essential role in the Reign’s attack as the season progresses.

The Red Stars aren’t going to be an easy team to break through, but they’ll be a good challenge for Reign across all areas: defense, midfield, and attack.

First Half Notes

Chicago Red Stars 1-0.

It’s not the best first half performance from the Reign, but it’s clear that there are things this Reign team needs to work on. Despite the Red Stars’ goal, the backline and defense are still going strong. Most of the action in this first half has been taking place in the midfield. The Reign are getting on the ball and are moving it through the midfield; however, there needs to be better control and stability in the midfield. When it comes to the Reign attack, they were getting forward, but they weren’t creating enough viable chances for the attack.

Going into the second half, the Reign needs to have better movement and control in the midfield if they want to get their attack off more effectively. The Reign should also try to be quicker and more direct with their attack. At times, the Reign would be too slow on the ball, and have too many touches in and around the Red Stars’ box. This would often result in the ball being taken away or cleared. The Reign going more direct with their crosses and services could be a way for the Reign to bypass the pressure in the midfield; however, they still need to up their pace and support one another getting forward in the attack.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Chicago Red Stars Win 2-1.

Goal Scorer for the Reign: Ji So-yun (1).

There were some good moments for the Reign in this second half, Ji So-yun’s goal from outside being one of them. The Reign were also able to get their attack forward and create some good chances for one another, however the Reign’s biggest problem in this match is their lack of connection in the attack, and in the box. This was also apparent when it came to set pieces and corner kicks; a handful of good chances but not enough connection where it’s needed.

There was some good movement and control in the midfield, but it was disappointing to see the Reign take their pressure off the Red Stars after Ji scored the equalizer. Because the Reign didn’t regain control, the Red Stars were able to comeback and grab their second goal. This once again goes back to the Reign needing to have better control and stability in the midfield, especially when the opposing team is getting on the attack.

It’s clear that there are many things this Reign team needs to work on, however, the biggest challenge for them this season is going to involve organizing and figuring out their offensive strategy, as well as developing their attacking chemistry and attacking partnerships. Once the Reign can do that, they’ll have the potential to be a dangerous and threatening attacking team.