Seattle Reign FC faced Bay FC for the first time in club history at PayPal Park in San Jose, on April 14th. The game ended 3-2 for Bay FC after a chaotic match-up.
Bay FC out-shot the Reign 23-8; however, possession went 51% for the Reign. The Reign continues their disappointing loss streak, now having taken no points home in the last three matches. Their next match is back home at Lumen Field, they will look to end their win-less streak with their home-field advantage.
The first half started out strong for both teams, Jess Fishlock and Ji So-Yun both put in work in the top half creating chances.In the 27th minute, Lily Woodham sent an excellent ball into the box, and it deflected off Bay FC player Kayla Sharples for an own goal. Seattle created an early lead 1-0. Bay FC’s offense created a few more chances in the first half, Claudia Dickey stepped up and made saves when necessary. First half ended 1-0.
Bay FC came out strong and it seemed that the Reign had a hard time getting adjusted to their new pace. Three minutes into the second half Bay FC equalized, Sharples scored the second goal of the night to make up for her earlier own goal. Just 10 minutes after Bay FC’s first goal Alex Loera scored their second goal with a stunning strike from outside the box. In the 58th minute the score was 2-1 for Bay FC.
In the 60th minute Reign keeper Dickey got subbed off with an injury, Laurel Ivory came in to replace her. Ivory was quickly tested with multiple shots from several Bay players in the first few minutes after being put on.
Coach Laura Harvey made three substitutions in the 72nd minute one of the subs was Quinn got subbed on for Angharad James-Turner, this was Quinn’s first return to Reign FC play since March 23rd, as they were put on concussion protocol. In the 83rd minute after multiple attempts from both teams, forward Bethany Balcer found the back of the net with an assist from Ji. The game was tied up again at 2-2.
In the 87th minute Joelle Anderson scored the third goal for Bay FC, regaining their lead after being tied for only 4 minutes. The Reign were upped the pressure again with determination to bring points home. Veronica Latsko made an attempt two minutes later but was called offside, and the reign continued their search for yet another equalizer.
The game entered extra time with the referee indicating a minimum of 12 added minutes. Just four minutes into extra time Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala got the ball past the keeper, this goal was quickly called back by VAR review. The Reign made a few more attempts but were ultimately unsuccessful and the final score remained 3-2 leaving Bay FC with the win.
This was the Reign’s third loss in a row, which is not typical for a team that prides themselves on their competitiveness. Coach Laura Harvey will be keen on ending this streak, as she expects the best from the Reign year after year. They will play their next match on April 21st at Lumen Field in Seattle; they will face the Chicago Red Stars who they lost 2-1 to just two weeks ago. Seattle Reign will look to use their home-field advantage to overcome the adversity they are currently facing.
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