Originally published May 4, 2014
Seattle Reign FC (5-0-0) extended their winning streak to five as they faced their biggest test so far this season in their game on the road against the Washington Spirit (2-3-0). The Spirit took the 1-0 lead in the second half from a goal by defender Ali Kreiger, but the Reign responded quickly with a goal by midfielder Jessica Fishlock and another by forward Sydney Leroux to earn a 2-1 victory on Saturday evening at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
“I think Washington, in our previous game against them at home and tonight, have definitely been the best side we have played so far,” said Reign midfielder and Army National Guard Player of the Month Kim Little.
Both sides got off to a strong start, but the Spirit appeared to have slightly more control in the opening 15 minutes of the match. Washington returned to their 4-3-3 formation, which allowed them to use space in the midfield to get the ball through to their offensive third. Additionally, their high pressure defense prevented Seattle from dominating possession in the way they have in previous games this season.
The first half ended with a 0-0 scoreline. However, the lack of goals wasn’t due to a lack of quality shots. Both Reign goalkeeper Hope Solo and Spirit goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris made numerous outstanding saves to keep their team even.
Krieger’s left footed strike from inside the box gave the Spirit the lead in the 53rd minute. A couple of notable items regarding Krieger’s goal: she has only scored two goals in the NWSL–both have come against Seattle and her goal was the first one scored on Seattle in the run of play this season.
However, Seattle answered immediately as Jessica Fishlock scored on the rebound after a dangerous series of chances stemming from a set piece. Through five games, the Reign have trailed their opponents for approximately 80 seconds.
Sydney Leroux finally scored her first goal of the NWSL season. She beat two Spirit defenders who attempted to track back, but she was too fast and clinically slotted her shot past both defenders and just outside the outstretched arms of Harris.
It took five games, but U.S. Women’s National Team star forward finally found the back of the net on Saturday night. “It was very necessary for me,” explained Leroux. “I feel like it was getting frustrating–four games without any goals.”
There is a lot to take from this game for both sides. For Seattle, it proved that their outstanding form isn’t confined to Memorial Stadium. They have proven their ability to win on the road, with limited recovery time in all types of weather conditions. Next week will no doubt be the biggest test of the season thus far as they travel to Providence Park to take on Portland Thorns FC.
The Spirit managed to do something that no other team has been able to do–truly challenge the Reign and leave them unable to dominate the game. The Spirit will be disappointed with the loss, but will be able to take away several lessons and encouraging moments from their performance to their next game against FC Kansas City.
Laura Harvey noted she had similar takeaways from the game. “I think Washington is a fantastic side,” noted Harvey. “Tonight, I think they caused us more problems than any other team in the league. I think it showed a lot about us and how resilient we can be. We were definitely tested all the way through the 90 minutes today.”
Next the Spirit head to the Midwest to take on FC Kansas City on Sunday May 11th at 7:00 PM EDT.