It’s time for another NWSL Rewind match, as the league is replaying a critical match involving Reign FC from the end of the 2019 season. Originally taking place Sept. 25, 2019, join us on Twitch to watch Reign FC host the Utah Royals. The stream will start at 1 PM PT.

At the time of the game, Reign FC and Utah were even on points, with the Royals having the advantage on tiebreakers. The Reign needed a win to jump into fourth place — the final playoff spot — before they closed out the season with their final two games.

The match came a month after a frustrating 3-1 loss to the Royals, where Christen Press completely destroyed a helpless Tacoma side. Keep a close eye on Celia, who gets the start at right back this game and was asked to push Press as far away from goal as possible. We don’t want to spoil things too much, but this stat might tell you how the Spanish player performed for the Reign.

The game was originally supposed to kick off a week prior, but the match was canceled at the last minute due to excessive rainfall.

As was the story all season, the team was still working its way through injuries and had struggled to convert chances in recent weeks. Utah got lucky with the timing on the rescheduled match, as it meant Megan Rapinoe was unlikely to play, as she was busy winning FIFA Women’s Player of the Year on Monday in Milan. Bethany Balcer and Megan Oyster were also questionable, while Allie Long was dealing with a hip injury picked up a few weeks ago.

Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension

Reign FC

OUT: Taylor Smith (SEI - R Knee), Jasmyne Spencer (SEI - L Knee), Michelle Betos (SEI - R Achilles), Jaycie Johnson (SEI - R Knee), Scout Watson (SEI - Concussion), Jessica Fishlock (SEI - L Knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Bethany Balcer (R groin), Megan Oyster (L knee)

Utah Royals

OUT: Brittany Ratcliffe (SEI-Left Knee), Taylor Lytle (SEI-Left Foot), Becca Moros (Right Leg), Kelley O’Hara (Left Ankle), Mandy Laddish (Right Hip), Makenzy Doniak (Left Foot), Sydney Miramontez (Right Foot)

How to Watch

When: Saturday, May 2, 1 PM PT (Originally aired September 25, 2019)

Where: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma

Live stream (for users in the U.S.): NWSL on Twitch

Join the Discussion

This is your Reign FC v. Utah Royals rewind. Join the conversation in the comments below.