NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Reign FC Take Narrow Loss at NC Courage

Published on August 24, 2019 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


Cary, N.C. - Holding strong for more than 80 minutes, Reign FC's defense cracked in the 82nd minute. North Carolina Courage forward Lynn Williams slotted home the game-winning goal past diving Reign FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy. Reign FC remain steady at 5th place with 27 points (7-5-6) after the 1-0 loss. NC Courage moves to 2nd with 31 points (7-4-4).

Murphy saved six of the seven shots on target. The Reign defense blocked another eight shots as Reign FC defended their net, holding one of the league's most potent attacks to just a single goal. Murphy was the Reign FC Player of the Match.

In the first half NC Courage took 18 shots, using wide spaces to run forward, but most of their attempts were from distance and did not challenge Murphy.

The final 45 minutes were a tighter contest as the Reign FC defense won a majority of tackles and duels, while limiting North Carolina to just eight shots. Courage's shots were more threatening, and Murphy had to make a brilliant save in the 69th minute when NC Courage midfielder Crystal Dunn blasted a shot from the right side.

Reign FC forward Bethany Balcer created the best scoring opportunity of the night in the 80th minute, but NC Courage goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe stopped the shot to her left. Reign ended the night with nine shots, only one of which was on goal.

Reign FC returns home to Cheney Stadium on Saturday, September 7 to host the Orlando Pride at 7 p.m. PT. It is the first of four matches in September that will be played at home.

Match Report

Match: NC Courage vs. Reign FC

Date: August 24, 2019

Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, N.C.

Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. PT

Weather: 63, cloudy with rain

Attendance: 6,743

Goals by half 1 2 Total

NC 0 1 1

RFC 0 0 0

Scoring Summary

NC - Lynn Williams (Crystal Dunn) 82'

Misconduct Summary

None

Lineups & Stats

RFC: GK Casey Murphy, D Steph Catley, D Lauren Barnes, D Megan Oyster, D Theresa, D Celia, M Allie Long, M Beverly Yanez, M Rosie White (Quinn 80'), F Bethany Balcer (Ifeoma Onumonu 85'), F Jodie Taylor (Darian Jenkins 63')

Substitutes Not Used: GK Sammy Jo Prudhomme, Schuyler DeBree, Morgan Andrews, Morgan Proffitt

Head Coach: Vlatko Andonovski

Shots: 8

Shots on goal: 1

Fouls: 9

Corner kicks: 4

Saves: 6

NC: Stephanie Labbe'; Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Erceg, Abby Dahlkemper, Merritt Mathias (Heather O'Reilly 74'), Debinha (McCall Zerboni 84'), Denise O'Sulivan, Samantha Mewis, Crystal Dunn; Lynn Williams, Kristen Hamilton (Jessica McDonald 60')

Substitutes Not Used: Katelyn Rowland, Julia Spetsmark, Cari Roccaro, Meredith Speck

Head Coach: Paul Riley

Shots: 26

Shots on goal: 7

Fouls: 8

Corner kicks: 8

Saves: 1

Check out the Seattle Reign FC Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 24, 2019


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