NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Match Forecast: Reign FC to Open 2015 Preseason Play on Saturday

Published on March 27, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE (March 27, 2015) - Seattle Reign FC will open its two-game preseason schedule in a friendly against the University of Portland Pilots at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex at Merlo Field in Portland on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. PT.

The University of Portland's women's soccer program rose to prominence under Clive Charles who began coaching the women's side in 1986. In 2002, during his last season with University of Portland, the team won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship. The team won a second NCAA championship in 2005 under current coach Bill Irwin. In addition to their national titles, the Pilots have won 13 West Coast Conference (WCC) championships and have produced numerous professional soccer players.

Six Reign FC players will be returning to a familiar field as Stephanie Cox, Michelle Cruz, Danielle Foxhoven, Amanda Frisbie, Elli Reed and Keelin Winters will all play against their alma mater for the first time since donning the Reign FC crest. The only Pilot alumna who will not be featured is Megan Rapinoe, who is currently with the U.S. Women's National Team.

During an eight-year stretch, the Pilots saw a run of seven eventual Reign FC players beginning with Cox in 2005 and culminating with Frisbie and Cruz in 2013. In 2010, an all-time high of five players suited up in purple together which included Winters, Reed, Foxhoven, Frisbie, and Cruz.

In addition to the Pilot alumnae, key members of the 2014 National Women's Soccer League's Shield winning side will be making the trip down south, including Scottish international midfielder Kim Little, forward Beverly Yanez (née Goebel), forward Kiersten Dallstream, midfielder Mariah Noguiera, defender Lauren Barnes, defender Kendall Fletcher, and goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer.

Midfielder Merritt Mathias and Scottish international defender Rachel Corsie, who were both acquired during the offseason, will have the opportunity to suit up for Reign FC for the first time.

The University of Portland also opened preseason play for Thorns FC on March 21, holding the NWSL side scoreless through the first 70 minutes before allowing four goals in a 12-minute period to fall 4-0.

Following the match in Portland, the club will return to Seattle to round out their preseason schedule on April 3 at 7 p.m. PT on the Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium against the University of Washington in their first Community Shield Match presented by Dr. Thomas McKenny DDS.

Reign FC kicks off their 2015 regular season on Sunday, April 12 on the Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium when they host the Western New York Flash. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT. For tickets to the home opener, please visit www.reignfc.com/tickets.

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