Seattle Reign make their first-ever visit to the Centennial State today to face the Denver Summit in both teams’ third game in a week. After each side had a disappointing midweek outing, with Seattle falling flat against Angel City and Denver surrendering a lead late to draw at home against lowly Bay FC, this game is suddenly extremely important for each team’s playoff aspirations. The Reign are one point ahead of Angel City for the 8th and final playoff spot, while Denver is five points behind Seattle in 10th place, with only six games remaining.

The Reign and Summit have met only once before, splitting points in a 0-0 draw at ONE Spokane Stadium in April.

Keys to the game

Forget about Wednesday, focus on today
Watch for far-post runs
Make Denver chase the game

Notes

Phoebe McClernon exited Wednesday’s game with some cramping while still dealing with a minor knock she picked up last weekend against Bay FC, but Laura Harvey confirmed that she is fit and available today.
While the US U20 WNT was eliminated from the U20 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday in Poland, Seattle’s three players will not be available today. The club opted to have them return to Seattle to recuperate and adjust back to Pacific time.
Denver is the only NWSL team, past or present, that Laura Harvey has not yet earned a win against.
Three Seattle teams are in the Denver area for games tonight. The Mariners play the Rockies at 5:10 PM PT, while the Sounders are in Commerce City to face the Rapids at 6:30 PM PT.

Injuries, absences, suspensions

Reign: OUT: Lynn Biyendolo (Maternity Leave)
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Emeri Adames (U-20 USWNT), Ainsley McCammon (U-20 USWNT), Evan O’Steen (U-20 USWNT)

Summit: OUT: Jasmine Aikey (Knee - SEI), Jordan Baggett (Maternity Leave), Camryn Biegalski (Excused Absence), Ally Brazier (Personal Reasons), Nahikari Garcia (Knee - SEI), Carson Pickett (Excused Absence)