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Quick recap: In typical fashion when Laura Harvey and Vlatko Andonovski face off, it was a tactical battle between Seattle Reign FC and the Utah Royals. While Utah certainly had the better chances in the first half, and should have scored a goal or two, a formation shift in the second half put Seattle back in the match. Andonovski moved to a 3-5-2 lineup, and the team had a few looks on goal toward the end of the game. Neither side could convert, however, and the game ends in a 0-0 draw.
Seattle Reign FC head on the road for a mid-week match against former head coach Laura Harvey and the Utah Royals, who just signed Christen Press and acquired Sam Johnson from the Chicago Red Stars. Wednesday’s game kicks off at 7 PM PT and will stream on go90.
After a tough defeat at home against the top-ranked North Carolina Courage and struggling to find the back of the net for a few weeks, Reign FC need to get their magic back. If they don’t, they’ll also be looking at a tough time this weekend against a Portland Thorns side that has players returning from injury and a squad that is starting to click.
Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andovnoski challenged the players to reflect on the Courage match, especially when it comes to winning duels. That is certain to be a focal point in today’s match, as Seattle looks to challenge a Harvey-coached squad that loves to pressure opponents into mistakes.
It will be hot — near 90 degrees at kickoff — and Seattle may struggle to adjust to the high altitude. But, if they can finally get their scoring ways back, there’s no reason they can’t steal a point on the road from their former boss.
Injury Report
Utah
OUT: Alex Arlitt (left knee strain – SEI), Mandy Laddish (right hip contusion – SEI), Kelley O’Hara(right hamstring strain)
Seattle
OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness), Lauren Barnes (concussion), Kiersten Dallstream (left quad strain), Jess Fishlock (right quad strain), Jaycie Johnson (right knee sprain – D45)
Keys to the Match
- Use the width and take the ball to the endline
- Don’t fold under Utah’s pressure
- Take advantage of restarts
- Finish those chances
How to Watch
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 26 @ 7 PM PT
Location: Rio Tinto Stadium | Sandy, Utah
Streaming: go90.com (U.S.), NWSLSoccer.com (International)
First Half Highlights
2’ - Thank you, crossbar.
The crossbar says hello to Diana Matheson early.#UTAvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/WjagBwbZcx
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2018
16’ - Perhaps a bit too space for Christen Press
Don't think @ChristenPress would mind a goal or two in her @UtahRoyalsFC debut.#UTAvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/1h76qupATV
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2018
Second Half Highlights
65’ - Great work by Allie Long here to prevent a goal.
65' Seattle dodged a bullet here. #UTAvSEA pic.twitter.com/0rhrzWsU7l
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) June 28, 2018
87’ - Fantastic cross by Yanez, but Spencer can’t connect with it.
.@ReignFC looking to steal all three points on the road, but we're still scoreless in Utah.#UTAvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/u5UcTGUlgU
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2018
91’ - A bit too close for comfort, but Betos gets the save.
Another look from Press, another save from Betos right on the line. Time's running out for a goal.#UTAvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/eIFTelVpot
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2018
Lineups
Morgan Andrews gets the start in the midfield, and Naho Kawasumi returns to the starting lineup.
Available substitutes for tonight are Bauer, Kleiner, Leon, Spencer, Westphal, Williams, and Yanez pic.twitter.com/Aevig8D6Uv
— Seattle Reign FC (@ReignFC) June 28, 2018
Christen Press gets the start for Utah.
Tonight's starting XI for #UTAvSEA
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) June 28, 2018
Audio Breakdown: https://t.co/Gr3FHYSr0V pic.twitter.com/BBmrGDD52g
Join the Discussion
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