NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Reign FC Face Houston Dash in Final Regular Season Match

Published on September 23, 2016 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE - In their final regular season match this season, Seattle Reign FC will visit the Houston Dash. This is the second game between the two teams this season.

The game will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1 and available for live and on-demand streaming via the FOX Sports GO app and online at FOXSportsGO.com. Fans can also follow live play-by-play at Reign FC's official Twitter page, @SeattleReignFC, and can join the conversation using the hashtag #HOUvSEA.

Reign FC's (7-6-6, 27 points) previous match was a 2-0 victory against the Washington Spirit. It was Seattle's eighth shutout this season.

"It's different than the two years before because we would win the league so early on that we could take our foot off the pedal a little bit leading into the playoffs," said Seattle Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey. "Whereas this year we've had to keep fighting all the way to the very end."

Seattle holds an all-time regular-season record of 6-0-0 against Houston, with four of those wins by multiple goals. Reign FC have beaten the Dash in both games they've played at BBVA Compass Stadium.

However, Reign FC have not won on the road since April 24th against the Boston Breakers. Seattle has scored eight goals in road games this season. Reign FC have been shutout in five games this season, and all five of those shutouts came on the road.

"We're going into the Houston game a little unsure of what it will actually mean," said Harvey. "But, we decided, when we had a meeting at the start of this week, that no matter what we want to go into that game and put on a performance that we are really proud of."

Reign FC's all-time leading goal scorer against the Dash is midfielder Kim Little. Little has scored eight goals across the club's six matches against Houston, including a hat trick in last season's match broadcast on FOX Sports 1.

Seattle Reign FC are competing with the Western New York Flash for the final 2016 playoff spot. Reign FC will know before Sunday's match if they have been eliminated from contention. In order for Seattle to make the playoffs, Western New York must lose to Boston on Saturday, and Seattle must defeat Houston on Sunday.

"We always believe that when we put on a performance that we are really, really proud of the results take care of themselves," said Harvey. "If we are in a position where we are still fighting for the playoffs come Sunday, I think we are in a good mindset to do that. The emotions of Saturday night, whether successful or not, can have an impact on us but we are trying to stay focused on what we control."

Houston (6-9-4, 22 points) is in eighth place on the NWSL table. The Dash have won three of their past four matches, and despite not qualifying for the playoffs the Houston offense is starting to come alive.

Houston has scored 11 goals over the past four matches, with five of those goals coming from forward Kealia Ohai. Ohai is currently in contention for the Golden Boot, which goes to the league's top scorer. The forward is tied for the league lead in goals with 10 on the season.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from September 23, 2016


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