Quick Recap: After a dominant performance in the first half, which resulted in a Jasmyne Spencer goal and would have been many more if not for a fantastic performance by Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, Seattle Reign FC heads back to Seattle with a 2-1 loss. Portland equalized just before halftime on a Tobin Heath goal, and Lindsey Horan gave them a second in the 76th minute. Reign FC couldn’t recover, and will unfortunately be watching the NWSL Championship from afar after a fun, quality season.

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Seattle Reign FC returns to Providence Park on Saturday to face the Portland Thorns in an NWSL Playoff semifinal match. The winner returns to Portland a week later for the big prize, the NWSL Championship. The Saturday afternoon game kicks off at 12 PM PT and will air on Lifetime.

After the Seattle Storm earned their third WNBA Title on Wednesday, Seattle Reign FC has a chance to follow in their footsteps and make a name for women’s sports in Seattle. Getting one step closer against their rivals, in enemy territory, would be icing on the cake.

Standing in their way is MVP candidate Lindsey Horan, who scored two goals against Seattle last weekend, along with a whole host of characters — Tobin Heath, Christine Sinclair, Adrianna Franch, Caitlin Foord, and the entire Thorns backline.

It’s the NWSL semifinal. It’s a rivalry match — in front of more than 20,000 fans. It’s going to be a great show.

Injury Report

Portland

OUT: Meg Morris (left hip pain – SEI), Hayley Raso (L2-L4 transverse process fracture), Katherine Reynolds (right knee MCL repair)

Seattle

OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness – SEI), Kiersten Dallstream (right knee sprain – SEI), Kristen McNabb (right knee strain); QUESTIONABLE: Allie Long (right knee sprain), Megan Rapinoe (rib soreness)

Lineups

First Half Highlights

18’ - What a series of stops by Lydia Williams!

28’ - Goal, Seattle! Great shot by Megan Rapinoe, an even better reaction by Jasmyne Spencer.

32’ - What a shot by Jodie Taylor! What a save by Adrianna Franch!

37’ - Franch with another incredible save.

43’ - Shoot, Tobin Heath evens it up just before half. Great work by Horan to get her the ball.

Second Half Highlights

69’ - Goal, Portland? I guess not. It’s called back for offside.

76’ - Ugh, goal, Lindsey Horan.

How to Watch

Date/Time: Saturday, September 15 @ 12:00 PM PT

Location: Providence Park — Portland, Oregon

TV: Lifetime (Atlantic Crossing will also be airing the game)

Streaming: MyLifetime.com, NWSLSoccer.com (International)

Join the Discussion

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