NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Stout Defensive Performance Earns Reign FC a Point against Sky Blue

Published on June 19, 2016 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE - Seattle Reign FC extended its current two-game undefeated streak with a 0-0 tie against Sky Blue FC. Sunday's match was the final meeting between the two squads in the 2016 regular-season, and moves Reign FC's all-time record against Sky Blue to 3-3-4.

The Reign FC (3-3-3, 12 points) defense once again performed well on the road, earning their third straight shutout. This is the first time in team history that Reign FC has recorded a clean sheet in three consecutive matches. So far this season Seattle has only allowed two goals in away games, good for 2nd best in the NWSL.

The first real chance of the game came in the 12th minute from Sky Blue's Taylor Lytle. Kelly Conheeney laid the ball of to Lytle just inside the box, and Lytle's initial shot hit off of the crossbar. Lytle was able to fire in a second shot off of the rebound, but Hope Solo was there to smother the chance.

Just five minutes later, Reign FC hit the crossbar. In a great buildup, Lauren Barnes slotted in Kim Little with a well placed through ball. Little dribbled to the end line and passed right to the feet of Jess Fishlock inside the six-yard box. Fishlock's attempt hit off the underside of the crossbar and was then cleared away by the Sky Blue defense to keep the match scoreless.

Despite a combined 12 shots between the two teams in the first half, the match was tied 0-0 at the break.

Sky Blue created a dangerous chance in the 54th minute when Leah Galton was able to break a tackle and dribble into the Reign FC box. Galton's shot was fired on target and Solo was able to deflect the chance. Tasha Kai was able to get off a shot on the rebound, but her attempt went wide.

Shortly after, Beverly Yanez started a counter for Seattle in the 58th minute. Yanez split two defenders and played Little into the box. Little's shot troubled Caroline Stanley, who had to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Reign FC continued to create chances as the second half of play wore on. Fishlock won back the ball for Seattle in the midfield with a strong slide-tackle, and sent a searching ball forward to Little in the 63rd minute. Little put her patented foot skills to work, turning two defenders and creating enough space to get off a shot that was deflected out of bounds.

Little had another dangerous chance in the 77th minute, when she found herself 1v1 with the goalkeeper Stanley. The midfielder tried to find her way around the keeper, but didn't have enough time before Christie Rampone cleared the danger.

Little did not score in the match and is still searching for the 30th goal of her NWSL career. Little would be the first player in the history of the league to reach that milestone. She has scored at least 10 goals in every season she has played in the NWSL.

The match was also pride night for Sky Blue FC. In the 49th minute, the crowd of 1,542 fans led a 49-second tribute to those lost in the tragedy in Orlando last Sunday.

Today's result gives Reign FC 12 points on the season, which ties them with the Orlando Pride. However, the Pride currently has the tie-breaker due to their 2-0 win against Reign FC on May 8. Seattle still sits in sixth place on the NWSL table.

With the tie Sky Blue now has 10 points and remains in 7th place in the standings. The Chicago Red Stars are still in first place after their 3-0 win over the Boston Breakers this Saturday.

Up next, Reign FC finishes its two-game road trip against FC Kansas City on June 25 at 4:00 p.m. PT at Swope Soccer Village. Seattle will look to improve on its all-time record of 3-7-2 against FC Kansas City.The previous meeting between the two teams was a 1-0 win for the Reign at Memorial Stadium, with a goal from current BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, Kim Little.

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