NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Nahomi Kawasumi Scores Brace in Reign FC Victory over Boston

Published on July 3, 2016 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE (July 2, 2016) - 4,356

fans came out to Memorial Stadium on a sunny Saturday evening to watch Seattle

Reign FC take on the Boston Breakers and to witness the return of Nahomi "Naho"

Kawasumi. Reign FC earned a 2-0 victory over the Boston Breakers off a brace

from Naho and record-breaking defensive effort.

The

win extended Reign FC's (4-3-4, 16 pts) undefeated streak to five games and was

the first win for Seattle since June 12. It also marked the fifth-straight game

Seattle outshot their opponent, taking 12 shots (7 on goal) while Boston

managed 6 (3 on goal) for the match.

"We

played with good tempo and good quality, we dominated the match from minute 1

to minute 90," said Jess Fishlock. "It was fun out there and we were playing

with a smile on our faces, which we hadn't done in a while."

Reign

FC maintained possession throughout the early moments of the match, netting

their first goal of the match in the 15th minute. Just outside of

the box, Naho slotted in Manon Melis on an overlapping run. Melis was able to

control the ball right on the endline and send a cross into the box. After

deflecting off a defender, the ball fell right to the feet of Naho, who made no

mistake with her finish.

Right

before halftime, Kim Little had a chance to extend Reign FC's lead to two

goals. Once again, Naho was involved in the play, setting up Little with her

pass. Little's shot attempt hit off the goalpost.

Reign

FC entered halftime with a 1-0 lead, marking the first time since May Seattle

scored a first-half goal, ending a six-game first-half scoreless streak.

Seattle

continued to dominate possession in the second half of play, patiently passing

the ball around and looking to create chances.

In

the 62nd minute, Keelin Winters sent a long ball forward, finding a

sprinting Naho behind the Boston defense. Naho controlled the ball and cut

inside the penalty box, while Elli Reed made a run to her right that pulled

Kallman away from goal and created just enough space for Naho to fire home her

second goal of the match and put Reign FC up 2-0.

Naho

was awarded Reign FC player of the match for her efforts. Including her 2014

season with the club, the forward has now scored four braces in the last five

regular-season Reign FC home games she has started.

"I

think she just brings out the best in everybody," said Seattle Reign FC head

coach Laura Harvey.

With

the shutout, Seattle has now delivered five consecutive clean sheets, which is

a new NWSL record. Reign FC are now just two minutes of shutout soccer away from

setting a new NWSL record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a

goal.

"We

turned a little corner in terms of fight and desire to keep those clean sheets,

and the fifth consecutive clean sheet is obviously something to be proud of,"

said Harvey.

Haley

Kopmeyer made three saves on the night in her first start since May 29 in a 0-0

tie against Portland Thorns FC.

"The

back line was absolutely phenomenal, they put their body on the line for every

ball, every play," said Kopmeyer. "They are a very smart group."

Before

the match, Reign FC honored Anne Levinson as a Reign FC Legend for her

extraordinary achievements on behalf of our community. Levinson has been

fighting for women's rights in the United States as a Seattle Municipal Court

judge and was also a leader in keeping the Seattle Storm in Seattle.

Today's

result gives Reign FC 16 points on the season, moving the club up to 5th

place on the NWSL table. Seattle is currently just two points out of a playoff slot,

behind the Chicago Red Stars who currently sit in 4th with 18

points.

With

the loss, the Boston Breakers (1-9-1, 4 pts) remain on 4 points and are

anchored in 10th place in the standings. The Portland Thorns solidified

their hold on first place with their 2-1 win over Sky Blue FC tonight.

"We're

getting the squad together now and we are going to be really exciting for July,

August, and September," said Fishlock. "I wouldn't want to play Seattle Reign

FC."

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