Match Recap: Reign FC splits points with Kansas City Current
At CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Seattle Reign FC drew 1-1 with the Kansas City Current. The Reign’s lone goal of night was directed into the back of the net by Kayla Sharples, while Kansas City converted a penalty kick to pull level.
At the first whistle, Seattle pressed forward, setting a high tempo for the sunny match. Just five minutes into the action, Maddie Mercado found the Reign’s first shot on target from a quality team build, but Lorena kept it out of the net.
The end-to-end match saw its first goal of the night scored in the 11th minute, when a short corner kick found the feet of Sofia Huerta and Seattle’s captain looped a ball to the back post. Ainsley McCammon got her head on the end of it and directed it toward goal. A Kansas City player was the last to touch it as it found the back of the net to give the Reign a lead on the road.
The Current started to get into the attack more as the game carried on and earned their first shot in the 21st minute, but Claudia Dickey had it safely covered. 10 minutes before halftime, the Reign were asked to weather an attacking storm that saw Croix Bethune, Debinha and Lo'eau LaBonta hit the woodwork. Ultimately, Dickey did well to keep Kansas City off the board through the halftime break.
Returning to the field for the second half, the home side was on the front foot and it took just five minutes to find the equalizer. After Video Review, the referee ruled that Reign FC handled the ball in the 18-yard box and awarded a penalty kick to the Current. Debinha stepped up the spot and dispatched her shot low into the back of the net.
In the 70th minute, Phoebe McClernon released a long ball over the top of Kansas City’s backline, forcing a touch in the air. Maddie Dahlien used her speed to get to the second ball first, but Lorena was there to collect the ball and thwart the attack.
Seattle got forward once again in the 76th minute when Dahlien surged all the way down the flank and served a ball across the box to Huerta, who fired off a shot into the side netting.
In the last minute of the match, substitute Emily Mason came up big for the Reign, hustling on defense to get in front of Amelia White and block her shot before she could direct it on the goal. At the final whistle, the two sides split the points.
UP NEXT: Reign FC returns to Lumen Field to take on the Houston Dash in the club’s Member Appreciation Match on Sunday, August 30.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
GETTING POINTS: This match marks the second time that the Reign have earned points on the road against the Current in the NWSL regular season. The head-to-head series now sits at seven wins, six losses and two draws.
BUGG BATTLES: Jordyn Bugg had a standout game in the backline, leading the team in interceptions (5), in addition to earning five clearances and winning three tackles.
HEADING HOME: After two matches on the road, the Reign are set to return to Seattle for their next match on Sunday, August 30 against the Houston Dash.