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.

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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

First Half highlights

11’ Fishlock shot

Taylor and Sheridan race to a beautifully hit Rapinoe through ball

30’ Sky Blue free kick from near the end line finds Katie Johnson, but her attempt goes wide

Second Half highlights

Goal, Megan Rapinoe! Fantastic work rate from Christen Westphal to fight off three challenges and get the pass off.

81’ - What a pass from Ben Yanez! Former Reign FC defender Rebekah Stott clears it off the line for Sky Blue.

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.