Reign win it late on Megan Rapione’s jersey retirement night.

Article by Lilja Purs

Game Preview

This game marks the return to the regular season for the Reign and Courage, both wanting to prove themselves in the 2nd half of this season. In the past 3 months both clubs have seen notable signings- the Courage acquiring Australia international Courtnee Vine. The Reign signed Nérilia Mondésir, the first Haitian in the NWSL, and Swiss international Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, both notable international signings.   

First Half:

The game started off with an early chance from the Courage, who immediately challenged the Reign defensively. Then, Crnogorčević and Ji came up the left side of the field, offering a new dynamic. The first half was dominated by the Courage, and while some shots looked good, they ultimately felt a little flat. The Reign saw a couple of chances throughout the half, with Ji’s attempt of a back heel in the 22nd minute hitting the post. 

Second Half:

The Reign came out on fire, dominating the shots in the first 10 minutes, with shots from both Ji and King. In the 75th minute Mondesir made her NWSL debut being subbed om with Howell, a new player to the Reign. The duo of Mondesir and Howell caused problems for North Carolina with 8 of 17 shots the Reign took coming after the two were subbed in. After a stand still, Emeri Adames broke the ice. In stoppage time the ball found the back of the net off an Emeri Adames header going into the bottom left corner. 

Wrapping it up, this win was Laura Harvey’s 100th win in the NWSL , becoming the first coach to hit this milestone.

Looking Forward:

1. Youth talent flourishing on the field: The Reign this past spring saw the signing of 3 U-18 players, Ainsley McCammon, Jordyn Bugg and Emeri Adames. This game, Bugg played the full 90 minutes in the back line looking absolutely phenomenal earning praise from Jess Fishlock. Emeri Adames found the back of the net in stoppage time scoring her second goal in her professional career. 
2. Notable signings: Jaelin Howell, Louisville’s former captain was traded playing a dynamic role in our midfield with South Korea international Ji So-yun. Nérilia Mondésir and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević both are new international signings 
3. Jump in the rankings: Prior to this game the Reign sat last in the table, with the Courage being 6th. This win put the Reign 12th in the table with 9 games to go in the season.

Match Summary

2024 NWSL Regular Season 

Seattle Reign FC 0 – 0 Portland Thorns FC 

Date/Time: Sunday, June 16, 1:00 p.m. PT  

Location: Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington  

Weather: 70, sunny

Scoring Summary 

 SEA: 1

NC: None 

Discipline   

SEA: None

NC: None

Lineups  

SEA: SEA: GK Dickey D Huerta, D McClernon, D Holmes, D  Bugg, M Fishlock (Howell 75’) , M Quinn, M Ji (Athens 89’), F King (Latsko 66’) , F Crnogorčević (Mondésir 75’) ,  F Huitema (Adames 89’)

Unused substitutes: Ivory, Lester, McCammon, James-Turner 

Total Shots: 17 ( Crnogorčević– 7)  

Shots on Goal: 6  

Fouls: 5

Offsides: 1

Corner Kicks: 4

Saves: 3 (Dickey – 3)  

NC:  GK Murphy D Weatherholt , D Berkely D Kurtz D Williams, M Miuram M Sullivan F Vine (Speck 86’) F Sanchez (Pickett 78’)  F Lussi (Wingate 63’) F Matsukubo (Jackson 86’)

Unused substitutes: Hopkins, Pinto, Rauch, McLean, Bova 

Total Shots: 4 

Shots on Goal: 3 

Fouls: 8

Offsides: 2 

Corner Kicks: 4

Saves: 6 (Murphy – 2)   

Player of the Match: Emeri Adames

Referee: Greg Dopka

Assistant Referee 1: Christian Clerc

Assistant Referee 2: Seth Martin

4th Official: Kelsey Harms

VAR: Shawn Tehini

AVAR: Brian Marshall