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QUICK RECAP: After a back-and-forth first half where both sides switched momentum at various times, but couldn’t really string together meaningful possession, Seattle Reign FC picked up the pace in the second half against Sky Blue. A Megan Rapinoe goal was all Seattle needed for the win, and the match ended 1-0. Reign FC now head back home for a June 3 match against the Orlando Pride.
On Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, New Jersey, Seattle Reign FC faces off against Sky Blue FC. The match kicks off at 4:00 PM PT and will stream on the go90 platform. It’s the third meeting between the two clubs — their final encounter this regular season — and Seattle has gotten the better of Sky Blue in both previous matches.
The first meeting was a 1-0 Reign FC win in New Jersey in windy, stormy weather. The second was a 4-1 thumping at home two weeks ago.
Under new head coach Denise Reddy, Sky Blue focuses on quick one- and two-touch passes. Despite only playing seven matches, when many teams have racked up nine or 10, Sky Blue enters the weekend second in the league in passes (3,073). These passes haven’t resulted in very many goals — just five in the last seven matches — but the team is certainly capable of putting them in.
Former Reign FC forward Katie Johnson is beginning to form a partnership with Shea Groom and Savannah McCaskill up top, but she’ll need more help from her midfield, which includes Carli Lloyd, if she wants to be goal dangerous. In Sky Blue’s last match against Seattle, Johnson rarely got the ball as Reign FC defenders successfully prevented passes to her.
After playing only 45 minutes midweek at Houston, Reign FC leading goal-scorer Megan Rapinoe should get the start. Jess Fishlock was rested against Houston and should also return to the midfield, while other rotational players like Jasmyne Spencer and Morgan Andrews may likewise see significant minutes.
After today’s match, Seattle Reign FC returns home to host the Orlando Pride on June 3.
Injury Report
Sky Blue
QUESTIONABLE: Erica Skroski (right hamstring strain), Rebekah Stott (right groin strain)
Seattle
OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness), Jaycie Johnson (right knee sprain – D45), Megan Oyster (left knee sprain), Steph Catley (left ankle contusion)
Keys to the Match
- Pressure Sky Blue’s midfield
- Use the width
- Take advantage of set pieces
- Close out the game
How to Watch
Date/Time: Saturday, May 26, 4:00 PM PT
Location: Yurcak Field, Piscataway, New Jersey
Streaming: U.S. go90 (app/website), International: NWSL (app/website)
Lineups
Available substitutes tonight are Andrews, Bauer, Betos, Kawasumi, Kleiner, Spencer, and Yanez #LetItReign #NJvSEA pic.twitter.com/buaIaHpeMY
— Seattle Reign FC (@ReignFC) May 26, 2018
Tonight's Starting XI presented by @HMHNewJersey. Catch #NJvSEA at the top of the hour on @go90! pic.twitter.com/Pu36CzaOSW
— Sky Blue FC (@SkyBlueFC) May 26, 2018
First Half highlights
11’ Fishlock shot
Seattle with a chance to open the scoring in the 11th with this effort by @JessFishlock that Sky Blue's Kailen Sheridan pounces on. #NJvSEA pic.twitter.com/XDBkxC3646
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) May 26, 2018
Taylor and Sheridan race to a beautifully hit Rapinoe through ball
"Yoink." – @Kailen_Sheridan, probably.#NJvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/GKFIVp1cpo
— NWSL (@NWSL) May 26, 2018
30’ Sky Blue free kick from near the end line finds Katie Johnson, but her attempt goes wide
Free kick from Sky Blue in the 30th minute slips into the box but deflects off Katie Johnson for a Seattle goal kick. #NJvSEA pic.twitter.com/poflbyVvuT
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) May 26, 2018
Second Half highlights
Goal, Megan Rapinoe! Fantastic work rate from Christen Westphal to fight off three challenges and get the pass off.
.@mPinoe puts it away to give @ReignFC the lead in the second half!#NJvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/Pg4TBjhzxB
— NWSL (@NWSL) May 27, 2018
81’ - What a pass from Ben Yanez! Former Reign FC defender Rebekah Stott clears it off the line for Sky Blue.
Teamwork for the save from @stotty_13 and @Kailen_Sheridan. #NJvSEA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/Pn2eBkeMCC
— NWSL (@NWSL) May 27, 2018
Join the Conversation
Highlights will be posted as the match progresses. This is Seattle Reign v. Sky Blue FC. Watch and discuss the action with us.