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Seattle Reign FC

Match Forecast: Reign FC Looks to Continue Unbeaten Streak in Tilt with FC Kansas City

June 26, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE (June 26, 2015) - Seattle Reign FC (4-2-2, 14 pts) will try to extend its league unbeaten streak to six games on Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. against FC Kansas City (3-4-2, 11 pts) on the Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium.

"We are expecting a tough game. They have a squad of players who know exactly what they have to do to be successful in that team," head coach and general manager Laura Harvey said. "We have similar styles of play and it's always a difficult matchup for us."

Reign FC is coming off a 3-2 victory over the Boston Breakers last Sunday, with an 86th minute goal from Welsh international Jessica Fishlock propelling Seattle to its second straight win. Scottish international Kim Little and forward Beverly Yanez also scored in the victory, while goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer made 10 saves.

FC Kansas City (FCKC) played Portland Thorns FC to a 1-1 draw last Friday, with a second half stoppage time goal from Portland goalkeeper Michelle Betos pulling the sides even.

Seattle is currently second in the NWSL standings, one point behind the first-place Chicago Red Stars, while Kansas City is tied for fifth, four points out of first.

With the U.S. Women's National Team continuing its run in the FIFA Women's World Cup (WWC), both Reign FC and FCKC will be shorthanded for Saturday's matchup with a combined six players competing for the U.S.

For Seattle, goalkeeper Hope Solo and forward Megan Rapinoe will be absent, while FC Kanas City will be without the quartet of defender Becky Sauerbrunn, midfielders Heather O'Reilly and Lauren Holliday, and forward Amy Rodriguez.

Australian midfielder Katrina Gorry is also out for FCKC during WWC play.

Despite the absences, Kansas City has established continuity in its lineup, with defenders Leigh Ann Robinson, Becca Moros, and Amy LePeilbet, and midfielders Erika Tymrak and Jen Buczkowski starting all nine games. Forward Yael Averbuch and goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart have each made eight starts.

While maintaining that backline has helped FCKC allow a league-low eight goals, the team has also had difficulty finding the back of the net on the attack, scoring just seven times in nine matches.

Saturday's game is the second of two matchups this season between Reign FC and FCKC. In the first contest on April 23 in Kansas City, Seattle fell 1-0 with a Rodriguez goal proving to be the difference.

For details on single match tickets, visit ReignFC.com or call (855) REIGN-FC for tickets. Seats start at $19.

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