Coach’s Corner
Photos by Vanya Tucherov
Seattle Reign FC grabbed an elusive road point with a 1-1 draw at Sky Blue FC on May 9th.
Unfortunately, a penalty call during a crazy goal line stand that led to a stoppage time penalty conversion meant it was only that one point instead of three deserved points.
Reign defender Lauren Barnes scored her first ever NWSL goal on a nice drive from outside the box in the 79th.
The penalty call itself came from the Referee’s Assistant. I have yet to find a clear replay of the call, but from that far away any official better be certain, because it not only changed a match, but it led to a red for Jeff Fishlock and affects the Reign for their next match.
Fishlock and teammates have been adamant it was Fishlock diving and getting her head down and not her arm.
Sky Blue players did not seem to be clamoring for a call in big numbers. The NWSL response to this situation will be worth watching. If the replay supports Fishlock, that red card needs to be rescinded.
This is a big road point for the Reign, but the late loss of two points must really sting given how those points were given up.
