Quick Recap: Seattle Reign FC had some heroic defending and team defense — in addition to a few good chances on their end — but a poorly taken goal kick in the 87th minute fell right to Yuki Nagasato. Her header fell to a rushing Sam Kerr, who was one-on-one with Michelle Betos. Kerr didn’t miss, and it was all the Chicago Red Stars needed to send Seattle home without any points.

---

Seattle Reign FC heads on the road for a Saturday evening match against the fourth-place Chicago Red Stars. These teams enter the game with fairly even results in recent weeks, although Chicago more urgently needs a win to keep climbing the table. Reign FC are riding a three-game winning streak, while Chicago has gone 2-1-0 over the last three matches.

Tonight’s game kicks off at 5 PM PT and will stream on the go90 platform.

After losing a number of players at the start of the season due to international duty or injury, Chicago is now at full health and is starting to figure out how to best utilize 2017 MVP Sam Kerr, who now sits at the top of the Golden Boot race with eight goals.

Seattle has struggled at Toyota Park in recent years, but this is a new squad, a new coach, and a team that is certainly gaining some momentum.

Injury Report

Chicago

OUT: Stephanie McCaffrey (illness)

Seattle

OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness), Kiersten Dallstream (left quad strain)

QUESTIONABLE: Elizabeth Addo (left knee sprain), Rumi Utsugi (left calf strain)

Keys to the Match

• Take advantage of restarts
• Block the passing lanes into Sam Kerr
• Don’t give Yuki Nagasato too much time on the ball
• Use the width and outside backs to stretch Chicago’s defense

How to Watch

Date/Time: Saturday, July 14 @ 5:00 PM PT

Location: Toyota Park | Bridgeview, Illinois

Streaming: go90 (U.S.) | NWSLsoccer.com, NWSL app (international)

First Half Highlights

15’ - Ahhh! Pinoe keeps trying to go near post, but isn’t connecting too well.

22’ - Great give-and-go here with Jess Fishlock. Taylor probably should have let Pinoe take that shot.

45+’ Dangerous spot for Sam Kerr, but luckily she can’t get enough on it.

Second Half Highlights

63’ - Great look for Adriana Leon!

77’ - Great buildup by Chicago, but Morgan Brian’s shot is just over.

87’ - Furt. A poorly taken goal kick gives Sam Kerr and open look on goal. She doesn’t miss. 1-0 Chicago.

Lineups

Naho Kawasumi and Michelle Betos return to the Starting XI.

Nikki Stanton gets a rest for Chicago, but she’s been a solid holding mid for them. Still, that’s a good lineup.

Join the Discussion

This is your Seattle Reign FC gamethread — your place for live conversations and match updates. Watch and discuss all the action with us, and follow us on @rovalks for live tweets.