NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Reign FC Ready to Renew Rivalry with Portland

Published on May 4, 2018 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE - In one of the most anticipated matches of the year, Seattle Reign FC heads south for a showdown with its rival, Portland Thorns FC. The teams will kick off at Providence Park at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 5. This match will be featured as the NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime.

Seattle is coming off a 1-1 draw with the Orlando Pride on the road last Saturday evening. Allie Long cashed in her first goal as a member of Reign FC, completing an assist by Megan Oyster. The tie was Seattle's first of the season, putting the team at 2-1-1 with seven points.

The 90 minutes in Orlando were the first in which Seattle had the services of its Japanese and Australian players together. Rumi Utsugi and Nahomi Kawasumi each played the duration of the match, with Utsugi logging a shot on goal. Steph Catley returned from duties with the Australian national team and also clocked in 90 minutes of playing time against Orlando.

Saturday's matchup, which will be the last in a stretch of four consecutive matches on the road, represents a return to Portland for five Seattle players that previously wore a Thorns kit. Long, Jodie Taylor, Steph Catley, Michelle Betos, and the recently-signed Alyssa Kleiner have all earned caps with Portland.

"I feel like I'm two people going in," Betos said. "There's the part of me that is attached to those fans and that city. I grew up there, in a lot of ways. My career had big moments there, and I will always treasure that time, but now I'm with Seattle and I'm going in to win."

Long expressed similar views about gracing the Providence Park pitch for the first time as a visiting player. After five years with Portland, the veteran midfielder is anxious to line up against her former squad.

"I'm really excited," Long said. "I spent five years there, I can't wait to see all the fans. I don't know how they're going to be with me but I'm excited to see familiar faces."

Portland enters play on Saturday with eight points. In five matches this season, the Thorns have compiled a 2-1-2 record. In their most recent showing, Portland played Utah Royals FC to a 1-1 tie. Tobin Heath sent in her first goal of the season in the 67th minute to draw Portland even. Along with Heath, the scoring ability of Christine Sinclair and her league-leading four goals make for a formidable attack.

"The thing with Tobin [Heath] and [Christine] Sinclair is that they're capable of so many things, similar to Jodie Taylor or Pinoe or Allie," Betos said. "We're going to have to shut those key players down. I believe in my team and I believe in my teammates."

Fans not attending the match can follow along with live play-by-play pf the match on the Reign FC's official Twitter page, @ReignFC, and can join the conversation using the hashtag #SEAvORL. Fans in the United States can watch on Lifetime, while international visitors can watch on NWSLsoccer.com.

After four consecutive games on the road, Seattle will return home for its second home match of the 2018 season on Saturday, May 12 at 7 p.m. PT when they take on Sky Blue FC for the second time this season. Tickets for the May 12 match are available at www.reignfc.com/skyblue

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