Match Recap: Seattle and San Diego Battle to Scoreless Draw

Seattle Reign FC and San Diego Wave FC battled to a scoreless draw in front of an electric crowd of 10,004 fans at Lumen Field in the club’s RISE Together Match, presented by Alaska Airlines. The 0-0 match featured a strong performance from the Reign, particularly on defense. 

As the first half kicked off, it was clear that the Reign were going to put on a show, as the team worked to press the Wave in possession. In the opening 15 minutes of the match, the Wave enjoyed over 70% of possession, but Seattle kept their finger on the pulse of the match, taking advantage of key transition moments. 

The seventh minute of the match brought a dangerous opportunity for the Reign, as defender Madison Curry gained possession of the ball and carried it toward the center of the field before challenging Kailen Sheridan in goal with a powerful shot. 

The Reign allowed the Wave to enjoy possession, pouncing on a mistake in the 24th minute. A sloppy pass was picked up by veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock and she quickly played a pass to Emeri Adames. Adames, the Reign’s leading goalscorer, managed a shot on target, but was unable to get the ball beyond Sheridan.  

Through the first half, the Wave were limited to three shots, with just one shot on target, and the teams went into the locker room scoreless at halftime. 

The visiting team opted start the second half with substitutes, but the Reign fielded the same 11 players, determined to get on the board. 

Similar to the first half of the match, San Diego held more possession of the ball than the Reign, but were unable to consistently threaten the Reign. In the Reign’s offensive half of the field, Adames continued to cause problems, finding another chance on goal in the 62nd minute, as Sofia Huerta and Sally Menti combined to set up her shot, but Sheridan was once again up to the challenge. 

Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey was tapped to make a series of saves in the second half. In the 69th minute, she defended a close-range shot from Gia Corley at the near post but got to the ground quick enough to push the ball out of danger. 

Just four minutes later, Dickey made another important stop, as San Diego worked the ball around the field and played a ball over the top to Makenzy Robbe, who took a strong shot from just inside the 18-yard box. 

The Reign made their first subs of the night in the 81st minute, reinforcing the attack with forwards Maddie Dahlien and Nérilia Mondésir, as well as Mia Fishel in the dying minutes of the match.  

Despite the Reign’s best efforts, the team was unable to get to get on the board, but did snag a shutout, splitting the points with San Diego. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

SERIES: The Reign now have nine wins, one loss and three draws against San Diego in all NWSL competitions. 

DICKEY: Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey was the Reign’s Player of the Match, earning four saves in the shutout. 

BARNES: Defender and captain Lauren Barnes played a full 90 minutes in the match, earning two interceptions and five clearances. 

NEXT UP: The Reign travel to Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Spirit on Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. PT.