Seattle Reign FC 3
University of Washington Huskies 0
NWSL Preseason Friendly
Husky Soccer Stadium – April 8, 2017
Seattle Reign FC finished up their two match preseason slate on the campus of the University of Washington against the hosting Huskies on Saturday night at Husky Soccer Stadium. After a 3-2 win in California over UCLA earlier in the week, Seattle returned to the Northwest to play the local college side.
The game started off briskly with the Reign testing the UW defense, but the UW showed no fear about going right back at their professional counterparts. Husky keeper Sarah Shimer was solid early as the Reign tested the younger UW defense. But, Bev Yanez finished off a Merritt Mathias low cross in the 22nd minute opening the scoring, and Seattle settled in to control of the match. The UW managed to keep the game close into the second half, before Naho Kawasumi volleyed home the second goal in the 52nd minute. Seattle would add a third with WSU alum Kiersten Dallstream scoring once more on the Huskies. Washington coach Lesle Gallimore should be pleased at how her side showed against a good Reign side.
There were a lot of familiar faces in the Reign FC line up, but a few notable absences on international duty added to the sense of change. Seattle goes into the 2017 season with significant changes to the midfield with Kim Little returning to Arsenal Ladies and Keelin Winters retirement. The midfield in 2017 will have the returning Christine Nairn, but the injury to Diana Matheson on international duty is a blow.
Playing on the Husky Soccer Stadium pitch as pros were Reign FC starters Lindsay Elston and Veronica Perez. With Megan Rapinoe and Jess Fishlock on International duty this week, it opened up a chance for both to make claims for roster spots and minutes.
The regular season begins April 15 at 7PM as Seattle hosts Sky Blue FC in the friendly confines of Seattle’s Memorial Stadium.
Photos by Vanya Tucherov
