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After earning back-to-back draws, Reign FC is looking for its first win of the season against a tough Chicago Red Stars squad. The road match — postponed a day due to snow — kicks off Sunday at 10 AM PT. Yahoo! Sports is the streaming partner.
After snowing yesterday evening, Bridgeview’s weather forecast predicts sunny skies and temperatures in the 40s. Injuries remain a factor for Reign FC. While the Red Stars have a few injuries heading into today’s game, Reign FC are impacted by numerous injuries to key players, including international stars Megan Rapinoe and Steph Catley.
Both squads have two points after two matches, with Chicago earning draws against Portland and North Carolina. Last week’s game against Portland was a wild 4-4 affair that saw the Red Stars crawl back three different times to equalize. This is a team with a lot of grit and tenacity. That sounds pretty familiar to Reign fans as well.
Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension
Reign FC: Jasmyne Spencer and Taylor Smith are both out due to ACL tears. Megan Rapinoe and Steph Catley remain out as they recover from calf strains. Darian Jenkins traveled but is questionable with a hamstring strain.
Chicago: Midfielder Nikki Stanton (left hip) and defender Arin Wright (right thigh) are out. Midfielders Morgan Brian (left thigh) and Vanessa DiBernardo (left hip) are questionable, though both saw limited time last weekend.
Keys to the Game
- Swarm the midfield: Chicago has a lot of playmakers in the center of the field, and none are more important than Yuki Nagasato at the moment. Reign are going to need to be relentless in swarming the ball in the center of the pitch to keep those opportunities limited.
- Use the width: SeatGeek is a wide field, and Chicago doesn’t always use the width to their advantage. Reign FC have had some luck getting the ball wide and stretching defenses. This is the game to capitalize on that.
- No mistakes: It sounds obvious, but if there is any player you don’t want to give the ball in a dangerous area, it’s Sam Kerr. The defensive passing and possession is going to have to be close to perfect.
Highlights
5’ - Balcer unleashes a rocket of a shot from distance, which Alyssa Naeher tips and it hits the crossbar.
Jumpman: @AlyssaNaeher #MKOT pic.twitter.com/Y8cCxIRQss
— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) April 28, 2019
13’ - Wind playing a role here. Chicago goes up 1-0 on this Casey Short schross.
.@CaseyShort3 from long!
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 28, 2019
1-0 | #CHIvSEA | https://t.co/Pqi6r5bddn pic.twitter.com/8q2765BSCK
36’ - A nice idea from the Reign, but Taylor was a step behind the defense before the pass.
.@Jodes_14 cutting it close, but just offside.
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 28, 2019
1-0 | #CHIvSEA | https://t.co/Pqi6r5bddn pic.twitter.com/zVBGkuORcU
43’ - Huge save by Lydia Williams on a Sam Kerr opportunity.
43' Catch your breath Reign FC fans as Sam Kerr had the ball, shot.... but Lydia Williams is there to block it! #CHIvRFC pic.twitter.com/KQBbq6nXBJ
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) April 28, 2019
53’ - A huge save by Williams, but the rebound falls nicely for Yuki Nagasato to loft her shot in for Chicago’s second goal.
53' Goal, Chicago Red Stars by Yuki Nagasato. #CHIvRFC pic.twitter.com/ATMx1N7cC6
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) April 28, 2019
60’ - Taylor almost pulls one back, but it’s apparently cleared off the goal line!
60' That might be a goal, we'll never know until the league has goal line technology. #CHIvRFC pic.twitter.com/ExMmLk1Ylj
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) April 28, 2019
79’ - Williams with a big save off a Red Stars set-piece.
Whoa nelly this was HUGE from @lydsaussie.
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 28, 2019
2-0 | #CHIvSEA | https://t.co/Pqi6r5bddn pic.twitter.com/7Imrou2uYB
89’ - Elby finds herself wide open for Chicago’s third goal.
89' Goal, Chicago Red Stars as Brook Elby claims the third goal. #CHIvRFC pic.twitter.com/08rZn7HvXz
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) April 28, 2019
Lineups
Only one change from last week for Reign FC. Lydia Williams replaces Michelle Betos in goal.
Let's try this again! Here is your Reign FC Starting XI for today's match against @chiredstarsPR!#CHIvRFC #RFC253 pic.twitter.com/KSlKbDhtTs
— Reign FC (@ReignFC) April 28, 2019
Morgan Brian returns to the starting lineup for Chicago.
Second verse, same as the first.
— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) April 28, 2019
Inside the 18, presented by @MagellanCorp
MORE | https://t.co/Pqig5V7Ogm#MKOT | #CHIvRFC pic.twitter.com/pnzmLhPcK5
How to Watch
Date/Time: Sunday, April 28, 10 AM PT
Location: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
TV: None
Online: U.S. viewers: Yahoo! Sports; For users outside the U.S.: NWSL
How to stream NWSL matches in 2019
Join the Discussion
This is your Reign FC v. Chicago Red Stars gamethread. Head to @rovalks on Twitter for real-time updates, or join the conversation in the comments below.