Seattle Reign Lose 4-0 to Cascadia Rival

After a hopeful two games, a win and a tie against the #1 ranked Kansas City, the Reign could not keep the streak up as they fell 4-0 to Portland. There is no doubt that this has struck the morale of the team. Playing against Portland is always an important part of the season given the two teams’ history. After this defeat the reign will have to bounce back in order to face the #2 ranked team Orlando Pride.

First Half

The Reign seemed off to an OK start as they held off Portland for the first 41 minutes. However, in the 42nd Olivia Moultre scored a goal from inside of the box. No other balls made it to the back of the net in the first half and it seemed like the Reign would have a chance to regroup during halftime.

Second Half

The second half started off similarly to the first half, no chances making it to the back of the net. Both teams had chances, Portland more than Seattle. Things changed in the 80th minute when Sophia Smith was presented with a penalty kick. The PK came from a handball inside the Reign’s box. A Portland player took a strike and hit Sophia Huerta’s arm as she attempted to defend. Smith converted the PK and Reign chances were looking low as they were now down 2-0 with 10 minutes left in the game.

However it wasn’t until stoppage time that the final blows to the Reign took place. In the 93rd minute the ball landed at the feet of Portland’s Sugita, she sent the ball into the bottom corner. Now down 3-0 the Reign were not looking inspired as they continued on in stoppage time. Then in the 98th minute Portland’s Linnehan tucked the ball into the same corner as Sugita.

Looking Forward

A 4-0 end was not what the Reign team or fans were expecting. Coming back from this defeat will be hard but the Reign have proved their mentality to be resilient. They have been flexible in playing style and haven’t hung their heads yet this season. Although this will have been a blow to the teams ego Laura Harvey will be getting straight into the next games headspace.

Facing Orlando will be a challenge but the Reign will return to their home Lumen Field where they have put on their best performances. The fans will welcome them back as they always do. The Reign have faced many hardships through their history and there is no reason to believe they will make a comeback as they have previously.