Quick Recap: Seattle Reign FC struggled with the wide-open play in the second half of the match an fell 4-1 to a dynamic North Carolina Courage team. Crystal Dunn ran rampant on Seattle’s backline, finding the back of the net twice. While Seattle had arguably the better chances in the first half, they only got on the scoreline once.

They must now pull themselves together for a Wednesday road match against Laura Harvey and the Utah Royals.

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Seattle Reign FC is back at Memorial Stadium on Saturday for a Pride celebration and battle against the top team in the league, the North Carolina Courage. Both squads enter the match with frustrating results the previous week—with Seattle playing to a scoreless draw against Washington and the Courage losing in the final seconds to the Utah Royals at home.

The two sides also come into the match with injury issues. Jess Fishlock and Lauren Barnes are out for Seattle, while Sam Mewis and Abby Dahlkemper are dealing with injuries after returning from U.S. national team camp. Depth will be tested for both teams.

A depleted Reign FC squad fell 1-0 to the Courage during a mid-week match on the road in April. Seattle, however, felt like the better team at plenty of moments in the first half of that game. While the Courage had an incredible start to this season, going 12 games without a loss, they are a beatable team.

If Seattle can keep North Carolina’s speedy players in front of them defensively, clean up crosses into the box, and dictate play in the midfield, this could be a statement match for Seattle Reign FC.

Get to Memorial Stadium early to take in the action and pick up a limited Pride-themed hat. Or follow the match here with us.

First Half Highlights

8’ - Steph Catley gets called for a handball in the box on a cross, but Lydia Williams saves it!

15’ - Double save by Williams!

17’ - GOAL SEATTLE! Great free kick by Rapinoe, and Megan Oyster is there to pounce on the rebound.

27’ - Reign give Jaelene Hinkle too much room and her cross finds Lynn Williams’ head. Darn.

33’ - Courage take a throw-in 15 yards higher up the field as the Reign wait for them to walk it back. Nobody is ready, and Dunn gets the ball with way too much space. 2-1 Courage.

Second Half Highlights

48’ - Ugh. Rapinoe lets Mathias just stroll around her and she unleashes a curving shot from distance. 3-1 Courage now.

70’ - Boo. Crystal Dunn is good. Courage up 4-1.

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Injury Report

North Carolina

OUT: Abby Dahlkemper (right knee pain), Makenzy Doniak (left knee ACL tear – SEI), Liz Eddy (left quadriceps strain), Julie King (left ankle repair), Samantha Mewis (right knee pain)

QUESTIONABLE: Lynn Williams (right hamstring strain)

Seattle

OUT: Yael Averbuch (illness), Lauren Barnes (concussion), Jess Fishlock (right quad strain), Jaycie Johnson (right knee sprain – D45)

Keys to the Match

• Push hard in the second half
• Don’t let their attackers get in behind
• Own the midfield
• Contain Crystal Dunn

How to Watch

Date/Time: Saturday, June 23, 1 PM PT

Location: UW Medicine Pitch at Memorial Stadium, Seattle

Streaming: go90.com (U.S.), NWSLSoccer.com (International)

Lineups

Adriana Leon is available off the bench. Alyssa Kleiner, a more defensively minded outside back, starts at leftback.

Join the Discussion

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