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QUICK RECAP: Seattle Reign had Chicago on the back foot for the first 30 minutes of the match, but some organized Red Stars defense and big saves from Alyssa Naeher kept the scoreline at 0-0 in the first half. Thanks to the rain and more pressure from Chicago in the second half, the game was more wide open. It also got pretty physical, with the Red Stars collecting three yellows and Seattle getting one late in the match. Despite a few chances for both teams, neither could find the back of the net — and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Next up for Seattle: the Houston Dash on Wednesday on the road, where it is supposed to be hot and humid.
On Saturday evening, Seattle Reign FC hosts a quality Chicago Red Stars team that boasts one of the best attackers in the world in Sam Kerr. The match kicks off at Memorial Stadium at 7 PM PT and will air on go90.com.
With nearly one-third of the season complete, Chicago (2-2-5) sits fourth on the league table with nine matches played. The hosts, Seattle (4-1-1), have overcome a difficult four-game road trip and sit in second despite only six matches played.
Regardless of the Red Stars’ position in the league, they are a really difficult team to stop and break down. A side that struggled early in the season due to injuries and international duty is now close to being at full strength. Kerr has scored a goal in each of her last two matches, and probably should have put one or two more in the back of the net during that time frame.
Reign FC, meanwhile, are riding back-to-back wins against bottom-of-the-table Sky Blue and their Cascadia rivals in Portland. Getting players like Jess Fishlock, Megan Rapinoe, and Jodie Taylor involved in the attack will be critical for Seattle’s chances.
A win tonight at home would give Seattle significant momentum heading into the coming week, when they play two matches on the road — Wednesday in Houston and Saturday in New Jersey.
First Half Highlights
7’ - Great chance for Jodie Taylor after Pinoe slips her through. Should have buried it.
The @Jodes_14 effort a couple minutes ago. #SEAvCHI pic.twitter.com/n5wQcoBTrR
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) May 20, 2018
17’ - Some great interplay between Rapinoe and Catley lead to this chance. Naeher just gets her fingers on it.
GAH! #SEAvCHI pic.twitter.com/QGBDAXNBfV
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) May 20, 2018
42’ - Lydia Williams comes up BIG with this save
Surely this will be a nominee for NWSL Save(s) of the Week. #SEAvCHI pic.twitter.com/NkPEtvhsy6
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) May 20, 2018
HALFTIME: The half ends 0-0. Some momentum for Chicago in spells, but Seattle with the better chances. It’s a wet match, with the rain coming down pretty hard.
Second Half Highlights
Fantastic tip from Naeher. And a lovely shot from Pinoe.
Naeher. #SEAvCHI pic.twitter.com/Z4oDvVEPBM
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) May 20, 2018
Injury Report
Chicago
OUT: Vanessa DiBernardo (pelvic stress fracture – D45), Stephanie McCaffrey (illness), Casey Short (right ankle sprain – D45)
Seattle
OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness), Jaycie Johnson (right knee sprain – D45); QUESTIONABLE: Megan Oyster (left knee sprain)
Keys to the Match
- Cut off balls to Sam Kerr
- Take advantage of counters when they come
- Pressure the midfield
How to Watch
Date/Time: Saturday, May 19, 7 PM PT
Location: UW Medicine Pitch at Memorial Stadium, Seattle
TV: N/A
Streaming (US): go90 app (iOS/Android), go90.com
Streaming (International): NWSL app (iOS/Android), NWSLSoccer.com
Lineups
Available substitutes tonight are Addo, Andrews, Bauer, Betos, Nielsen, Spencer, and Yanez #LetItReign #SEAvCHI pic.twitter.com/EhhIzWBUxj
— Seattle Reign FC (@ReignFC) May 20, 2018
Business Trip#SEAvCHI pic.twitter.com/9lV6E8X6SQ
— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) May 20, 2018
Join the Conversation
Highlights will be posted as the match progresses. This is Seattle Reign v. Chicago Red Stars. Watch with us.