Pre Match Notes

The Seattle Reign have ended their four-game losing streak by coming away with a 0-0 draw to the Portland Thorns. Earlier this week, Reign fans would receive more good news when it was announced that the sale of the Seattle Reign to the Seattle Sounders has been finalized. Following the announcement, the Reign are also on track to sign Haiti Captain, Nerila Mondesir, from Montpelier. With the sale of the Reign now finalized, the Reign will be able to make more new signings in the upcoming summer transfer window.

In regard to the Reign’s last match against the Thorns, it can best be described as a stalemate. Both teams were able to get forward and create chances, however, neither team were able to convert. The Reign backline were able to hold off Portland’s attack, but it is clear that the Reign are still needing to lock down their defense, and close down any gaps and open spaces, especially centrally and on the wings.

There was a good midfield battle between both sides, with the Reign being able to win some of those battles. Quinn’s return to the starting eleven also provided more stability and support in the midfield, something the Reign has been missing for some time.

While the Reign were able to get forward, and the attack were able to create a few chances here and there, none of those crosses or services were threatening or dangerous enough to the Thorns. The touches and services into the box appeared to be slow at times, and because of that, the Thorns backline and defense were able to drop back and recover possession very easily. Additionally, there was little to no connection in the attacking third, despite having support in the box from Jordyn Huitema, Bethany Balcer, and Veronica Latsko.

When it comes to this match against Racing Louisville, what we need to see from this Reign team is more control and consistency in the midfield, as well as more connection in the attacking third, especially in the box. The Reign need to be quicker with their crosses, touches, and services. Finishing, is also something the Reign needs to figure out as well.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Claudia Dickey in the goal. For defenders Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon, Lauren Barnes, and Ryanne Brown. For midfielders Quinn, Jess Fishlock, and Ji So-yun. For forwards Bethany Balcer, Jordyn Huitema, and Tziarra King.

This starting eleven is similar to what we saw against Portland, except King is starting in place of Latsko. It’s great to see Brown starting again. She did well against Portland, and was able to get forward a few times. However, the challenge for Brown, and the rest of the backline, is going to involve shutting down Louisville’s attack, and closing down open spaces in their central defensive third. Quinn will also be able to provide good support and stability in the midfield, while also connecting with the attack.

The attack will be able to get forward in this match, especially with King, Ji, and Quinn being able to create some chances for the attack, along with Brown and Huerta coming up the wings, and creating crosses and services into the box. However, the challenge for the Reign is, once again, going to involve connecting in the box, and finishing their chances. Hopefully, we will see some goals from the Reign this time around.

First Half Notes

Seattle Reign 1-0.

Goal Scorers for the Reign: Balcer (PK).

A foul on Huitema in the box would lead to a penalty kick for the Reign, and a sending off for Racing Louisville. Balcer would convert the penalty making it 1-0 in favor of the Reign.

Racing Louisville would go down to ten players in the ninth minute after a Denial of a Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) on Huitema. The Reign were definitely showing how much of an advantage they’ve had in this first half. There was good control and movement in the midfield. The attack were able to get forward and create some chances, however, the connection in the attack, and in the box, is still lacking to some extent. The Reign’s build up plays have been good, but their touches, services, and crosses into the box need to be quicker and more precise. The Reign may be needing to figure out how they can get their attack off quicker with fewer touches.

Late into the first half, Racing Louisville player, Taylor Flint, would come off with a head injury, after colliding, head first, into Claudia Dickey. The match would see an additional thirteen minutes tacked on to the first half. In these additional minutes, Louisville would change their approach. They were applying more pressure to the Reign in the midfield, and were starting to get their attack forward. It is likely we will see this change of pace from Louisville in the second half as well. Because of that, the Reign need to change their approach going into the second half. They need to maintain control, play with more urgency, and be quicker with their touches and movement on the ball.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Seattle Reign Draws 1-1.

Goal Scorers for the Reign: Balcer (PK).

The second half was disappointing to say the least. The Reign would maintain a 1-0 lead for the majority of the game, but would end up losing it in extra time, after Racing Louisville was awarded a free kick in the center of the field. Coming into the second half, the Reign maintained control and were on the attack; however, the team’s mentality, especially late into the second half, wasn’t there. Instead of maintaining control and keeping possession, the Reign were allowing Racing Louisville to get on the ball more.

Despite the Reign having the majority of control and possession, and being able to get their attack forward, the Reign couldn’t convert their chances. There were plenty of moments in the second half where the Reign could’ve extended their lead, but due to their poor connection and finishing, they were unable to do so.

Additionally, the Reign are trying to attack more centrally. It’s something they’ve been trying to do in their past games. Unfortunately, it isn’t working for this team because they’re not creating enough space and gaps in the opposing team’s defense. On top of that, they’re slowing down once they reach the box, and this is allowing the opposing team (in this case Racing Louisville) to get back, crowd their box, and shutdown the Reign attack. The Reign needs to be quicker with their attack, particularly their touches and movement on the ball.

This is a match the Reign could have won, but unfortunately, it goes to show how mentality is just as important as tactics and strategy.