Quick recap: Reign FC had the Washington Spirit on their heels for much of the first half, but the home side couldn’t quite find too many dangerous goal-scoring opportunities. The Spirit settled down and found some control about 30 minutes in, but the visitors were in a similar situation — forcing Casey Murphy into one diving save, but not getting on the scoresheet before half.

The Spirit would get a goal first, despite the Reign’s effective press. The defense was unable to close down on Andi Sullivan, who unleashed a shot from a difficult, tight angle on the right that snuck past Murphy.

With frustration mounting, as the Reign felt they were cheated out of two penalty calls, Jess Fishlock got the equalizer in the 77th minute. Both teams looked a bit gassed after that, and nobody could find the breakthrough. The game ended 1-1.

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Reign FC return to play on Saturday evening with a home match against the Washington Spirit. The game kicks off at 7 PM PT at Cheney Stadium and will stream on Yahoo! Sports.

This is going to be a big challenge for the Reign, who enter the match without 14 players due to injuries and international duty. After a week of rest, however, they should get the most out of Jess Fishlock, who returned to the lineup two matches ago after a loan spell in Lyon that saw her earn a Champions League title.

The Spirit are the league leaders and have given up just four goals in seven matches. It’s going to be difficult for the Reign to break through, but they only need one.

Injuries, Suspensions, International Duty

Reign

OUT: Jasmyne Spencer (SEI – Knee), Taylor Smith (SEI – Knee), Michelle Betos (SEI – Achilles), Scout Watson (Concussion), Kristen McNabb (Calf), Darian Jenkins (Hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE: Shea Groom (Calf)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Megan Rapinoe (USA), Allie Long (USA), Celia Jimenez Delgado (ESP), Steph Catley (AUS), Elise Kellond-Knight (AUS), Jodie Taylor (ENG), Lydia Williams (AUS), Rumi Utsugi (JPN)

Washington

OUT: Mallory Eubanks (MAT), Tiffany McCarty (Left Thigh)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Rose Lavelle (USA), Mallory Pugh (USA), Cheyna Matthews (JAM), Chloe Logarzo (AUS), Amy Harrison (AUS)

Keys to the Match

• Lots of pressure high up the field
• Watch the late runs into the box
• Stay healthy!

Lineups

Steph Cox gets the start for Reign FC!

Highlights

14’ - A great free kick from the Reign, but ultimately Onumonu was ruled offside (and the shot didn’t go in).

23’ It was all Reign FC until this rocket from Dorian Bailey, which Casey Murphy handles well

62’ - Washington Spirit goal. Reign can’t close down Andi Sullivan

77’ - Don’t anger the Dragon! After 3 potential penalties don’t get called for Reign FC, they score in open play on this great shot.

How to Watch

When: Saturday, June 15, at 7 PM PT

Where: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma

Live stream (for users in the U.S.): Watch on Yahoo! Sports

Live stream (for users outside the U.S.): Watch on NWSL

More info: How to stream NWSL matches in 2019

Join the Discussion

This is your Reign FC v. Washington Spirit gamethread. Head to @rovalks on Twitter for real-time updates, or join the conversation in the comments below.