Quick Recap: After a dream start thanks to a Jess Fishlock goal in the 4th minute of the game, Seattle Reign FC was in control for the start of the match against their rivals, Portland Thorns FC. Then Portland started to gain momentum, especially through the play of right back Ellie Carpenter. They were rewarded with a 30th minute goal by Lindsey Horan — and the half would end 0-0.

Seattle struggled to get back in the match, producing a number of uncharacteristic giveaways in dangerous positions. Things got really physical, and yellow cards were handed out to both sides. Two second-half goals for Portland secured the game, and Seattle walked away with a 3-1 loss. That means they will be back at Providence Park next weekend for an NWSL playoff semifinal match.

Here we are. September 7, 2018. The final regular season match for Seattle Reign FC. After going two years without an appearance, the team has booked a ticket to the 2018 NWSL Playoffs. But there’s one challenge remaining: a road game against the Portland Thorns. It’s the Lifetime Game of the Week, with the match kicking off at 7 PM PT this evening.

Seattle has dealt with a flurry of injuries all season, and Portland could say the same thing — with early injuries hurting the Thorns. Unfortunately for Reign FC, some of their injuries came late, with Rumi Utsugi, Bev Yanez, Allie Long, Elizabeth Addo, and Megan Rapinoe all missing time in the last third of the regular season due to lingering injuries and knocks picked up in matches.

Despite the injury turmoil, Reign FC continues to string together results. If it weren’t for a goal in the waning seconds of Seattle’s previous match against the North Carolina Courage, the team would have made it through August without giving up a single goal — a credit to the team’s defend-from-every-position approach to the game.

Expect this Vlatko Andonovski-coached team to be focused on defense even more than usual on Friday evening. Heading into the playoffs next weekend, a win or a draw secures a home semifinal for Seattle — and with a spot already booked, the Reign FC head coach probably isn’t going to want to risk much in this closing regular season match.

There is a strong likelihood that Long, Utsugi, and Yanez feature tonight, while Rapinoe remains questionable. While I suspect she’d love to play against Portland, Andonovski is a bit more cautious with injury recovery and will want her healthy for the playoffs.

This match could either be incredibly fast-paced or a defensive affair. It will likely be entertaining either way.

Injury Report

Portland

OUT: Meg Morris (left hip pain – SEI), Hayley Raso (L2-L4 Transverse Process Fracture), Katherine Reynolds (right knee MCL repair); QUESTIONABLE: Meghan Klingenberg (left adductor strain)

Seattle

OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness – SEI), Kiersten Dallstream (right knee sprain – SEI), Adriana Leon (excused absence); QUESTIONABLE: Allie Long (right knee sprain), Megan Rapinoe (rib soreness), Beverly Yanez (right foot fracture)

Lineups

First Half Highlights

4’ - Jess Fishlock goal! What a way to start the game.

30’ - Portland was putting on the pressure, and they equalized with this Lindsey Horan blast.

Second Half Highlights

48’ - Ugh. Horrible giveaway from Seattle, and Tobin Heath makes them pay for it.

82’ - FURT. Lindsey Horan and set pieces = a deadly combination.

How to Watch

Seattle Reign v. Portland Thorns

Date/Time: Friday, September 7 @ 7:00 PM PT
Location: Providence Park — Portland, Oregon
TV: Lifetime (Atlantic Crossing will also be airing the game)
Streaming: MyLifetime.com, NWSLSoccer.com (International)

The Seattle Storm also tip off at 6 PM PT tonight in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. That game will air on ESPNews (nationally) and JoeTV (locally), and can be streamed on WatchESPN.com.

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