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The Reign fell 2-1 to the Thorns this weekend in Portland and much of the national attention was on the 16,479 fans out to see a pro women's match at a soccer-specific stadium. But despite all of that it was the Reign's Welsh midfielder Jessica Fishlock who impressed the voters. Through the first two weeks of the season she's been the Reign's most important field player, dominating the midfield with relentless tackling, quick distribution, and now goal scoring. It was her goal off of a half-volley the 74th minute that pulled Seattle back to within a goal and kept the match close to the end.
Here's the full release from the team:
REIGN FC MIDFIELDER JESSICA FISHLOCK VOTED NWSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Seattle, WA – April 23, 2013 – Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jessica Fishlock was voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 2 of the 2013 NWSL season.
Fishlock, 26, scored the lone goal for Seattle Reign FC in a 2-1 loss to Portland Thorns FC on Sunday at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland, Ore.
With Reign FC trailing 2-0 in the 74th minute, the Wales international captain was first to a loose ball after Seattle forward Kiersten Dallstream lofted a cross just inside the top of the Portland box which was contested by Reign FC midfielder Keelin Winters and Thorns FC defender Rachel Buehler. Fishlock struck the ball on the half-volley and tucked it inside the post past Portland goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc to pull Seattle within a goal.
A finalist for the Professional Footballers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year in England, Fishlock also committed two fouls and suffered three as she battled to control the midfield against Portland.
The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a selection of journalists that cover the league on a consistent basis.
Seattle Reign FC will return to action this Friday, April 26 at 8:35 p.m. ET against FC Kansas City at Shawnee Mission North High School Stadium.
Reign FC’s opening home match against FC Kansas City will take place on Saturday, May 4 at 8pm at Starfire Stadium. Prices for single match tickets are $26 for Grandstand Premium seating, $22 for Grandstand seating and $19 for Bleacher seating. Tickets can be purchased online at www.reignfc.com.