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The resiliency of Reign FC is in for its greatest test of the year on Sunday, as the team faces the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL semifinals. Their road playoff match kicks off at 10:30 AM PT and will air on ESPN2.
If the team wins, they stay in Cary, N.C. for the NWSL Championship — a match the team hasn’t played in since 2015, where now-Reign FC head coach Vlatko Anodnovski got the better of the squad while coaching FC Kansas City.
While the team continues to deal with injuries, this is the first time the club is facing North Carolina this season with Megan Rapinoe. Can the world’s best work some playoff magic and help the team defy odds just one more time? Stick with us to find out.
Injury Report, Suspensions, International Duty
Reign FC
OUT: Taylor Smith (SEI – Right Knee), Jasmyne Spencer (Left Knee), Michelle Betos (SEI – Right Achilles), Jaycie Johnson (SEI – Right Knee), Scout Watson (SEI – Concussion), Jessica Fishlock (SEI – Left Knee), Rumi Utsugi (Back)
QUESTIONABLE: Rebecca Quinn (Right Hamstring), Megan Oyster (Left Knee)
Courage
OUT: Merritt Mathias (Left Knee), Ryan Williams (Right Ankle), Leah Pruitt (Right Knee), Hailey Harbison (Left Knee)
QUESTIONABLE: Samantha Mewis (Right Knee)
Keys to the Match
- Stay strong in the box on defense
- Pounce and set the tone early
- Don’t let the Courage get too stretched
Lineups
Reign FC
NC Courage
[Starting XI] Semifinal Squad #NoFinishLine pic.twitter.com/rnztKQdPL0
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) October 20, 2019
Highlights
2’ - Casey Murphy comes up with a HUGE save.
Murphy called into action early. NCvRFC #NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ANDaGrl3C3
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) October 20, 2019
45’ - Hinkle’s cross nearly sneaks into the box. Lu Barnes does well to get in front of the chance. Thank you, post.
SO CLOSE.@TheNCCourage nearly took the lead just before the halftime whistle.
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 20, 2019
0-0 | #NCvSEA on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/NXdXlKEEBE
HALF TIME: Despite an onslaught of shots from the NC Courage, Reign FC keep them away from goal. And it’s all even heading into halftime at 0-0.
55’ - Casey Muprhy! Keeping Reign FC in this game.
Murphy still up to the task. Still 0–0 in #NCvRFC. pic.twitter.com/dBN6EzjcHg
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) October 20, 2019
57’ - A huge save a few plays later!
CASEY.
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) October 20, 2019
CASEY.
CASEY F'N MURPHY. #NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/HW7VW4FWzN
72’ - A bad giveaway for the Reign gives Crystal Dunn a strong chance. Barnes does really well defensively to push her wide, and Murphy comes up big yet again!
Folks, Casey Murphy is superhuman. #NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/GQxqJXGQ5E
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) October 20, 2019
88’ - Darn. HAO buries the penalty kick to put the Courage up 1-0.
Ice cold by HAO. North Carolina up, 1–0. #NCvRFC pic.twitter.com/QoyCvy81zn
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) October 20, 2019
90 + 3’ - IFFY ONUMONU equalizes!!!
BUILD THE @ify_on22 STATUE AT CHENEY STADIUM NOW @ReignFC! #NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/CKNkUVXEYB
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) October 20, 2019
How to Watch
When: Sunday, October 20, 10:30 AM PT
Where: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina
TV: ESPN2
Live stream (for users in the U.S.): ESPN
Live stream (for users outside the U.S.): Watch on ESPN (Check for local listings here, or follow the links listed here)
Join the Discussion
This is your Reign FC v. NC Courage semifinal gamethread. Head to @rovalks on Twitter for real-time updates, or join the conversation in the comments below.