Seattle Reign v. Chicago Red Stars: Preview, lineups, how to watch

The Seattle Reign FC’s first game on short rest this year is a bit of a doozy. In a clash of unbeaten streaks, Seattle will look to break the Chicago Red Stars 7-game unbeaten streak and the Red Stars will hope to breach the walls of the fortress known as Memorial, where the Reign are unbeaten in 11.

Despite the match’s locale, this sets up to be one of the Reign’s toughest matchups this year. Seattle are without their top two centerbacks and two of Kristen McNabb, Rebekah Stott or Maddie Bauer will have their hands full dealing with a dangerous attack led by Christen Press. Luckily, they will have the assistance of Jess Fishlock who is fresh off a POTM performance against Kansas City where she spent much of the game at CB. They will also take confidence from Haley Kopmeyer, who leads the league in saves and is perfectly capable of covering up the occasional mistake.

The last time the two side met up, Chicago dominated the midfield. If the Reign hope to get points from this match they will need to win that battle. This would be a great game for the Reign to have Rumi Utsugi, but Christine Nairn and the in-form Nahomi Kawasumi and Megan Rapinoe are perfectly capable of dominating the midfield from a bit further up the field. Despite the Reign’s prolific goal-scoring record they would be wise to choose their spots tonight after going nearly 90 minutes down a player in the heat on Saturday. It will be important for them to get the first goal so they are not forced to press the game with tired legs in the second half.

Chicago sit 6 points ahead of the Reign in the table, but their record is bolstered by their 5-0-2 home record. On the road, Chicago is more vulnerable, managing just 1 win and 2 draws. If the Reign can get the upper hand early they have a decent chance at coming away with 3 points.

Injury Report

Seattle: OUT: Rachel Corsie (left knee bone bruise), Larissa Crummer (right foot fracture), Diana Matheson (left knee ACL tear), Rumi Utsugi (left calf strain), Lauren Barnes (red card)

Chicago: OUT: Danielle Colaprico (right ankle sprain)

How to Watch

Time: Wednesday, June 28, 7:30 PM PT
Where: Memorial Stadium, Seattle
Online: go90 app (iOS/Android), NWSL app (iOS), go90.com, NWSLSoccer.com

This is your Reign FC gamethread. Watch and discuss with us.