Washington Spirit vs. Seattle Reign FC: Preview, time, and how to watch
Washington Spirit play Seattle Reign at home tonight, and they’re hoping to end their three-game Buzzard Point run unbeaten.
Seattle Reign (7-6-5) will be making that difficult for them. Led by coach Laura Harvey, the Reign specialize in shutting down their opponent’s attacks via their back three and dominant midfield.
“It is a team that I think they know pretty well what they want, and they execute it really good, being very vertical when they have to,” Spirit coach Adrián González said. “Obviously, if you give them time for counterattack, and space, they can… they can destroy you.”
To beat them today, González said the Spirit (9-5-4) need to be very aggressive, especially when defending, and be prepared for long balls from the back. In possession, they’ll need to be “proactive and try to disorganize them as much as possible.”
Key Player: Sofia Cantore
Sofia Cantore has scored twice in just four matches for the Spirit, and her versatility and ability to find open spaces will help her both create chances and position herself to score.
Watch Out For: Emeri Adames, Jess Fishlock
Emeri Adames leads the team with six goals, including two since the summer break, while Jess Fishlock has notched four goals and two assists.
Challenges: Especially against a team as defensively sound as the Reign, the Spirit will need to improve their creativity and judgement when shooting.
Previously: Croix Bethune and Ashley Hatch scored in the first half to secure a 2-1 victory for Washington.
Seattle Reign Availability:
Out: Lynn Biyendolo (knee), Ryanne Brown (SEI – knee), Hanna Glas (illness), Shae Holmes (ankle), Angharad James-Turner (illness), Veronica Latsko (SEI – lower leg), Cassie Miller (D45 – leg)
Questionable: None
Washington Spirit Availability:
Out: Rebeca Bernal (foot), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee – SEI wrist), Casey Krueger (knee), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)
Questionable: None
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 4 p.m.
Referee: JC Griggs
Available streaming: Paramount+, NWSL+
Rodman scores to put the Spirit up 1-0. Spirit dominates possession, shots–everything. They need to be better at inserting the dagger–not letting people hang around.
Defense is looking stronger and more cohesive than earlier in the season, but the attack still isn’t as strong as it ought to be for the players on the field. Some of it is evolving personnel (Cantore’s still not quite on the same page as everybody else sometimes), but we’re still struggling to get the decision-making and the execution firing at the same time.
Though I agree with JoeW and Megs, spirit still had good win over a tough Seattle. 16 shots to 6. 7 on target to 2. 63% possession 4 corners to 2.
Rodman’s two volleys of exquisite passes by Santos and Bethune were lovely.