Match Recap: Seattle Reign FC Draws 2-2 with Angel City FC
In a Sunday night matchup, Seattle Reign FC and Angel City FC split the points, scoring two goals apiece. For the Reign, Sally Menti and Mia Fishel each recorded a goal and assist.
The match was a slow build as the two west coast foes found their footing at Lumen Field. The first 15 minutes of the match featured a couple of attacking opportunities from the visitors, including a corner kick and an 11th minute Ary Borges shot that went sailing over the bar.
In the 12th minute, the Reign had one of their first threats of the match when a spell of high pressure paid off and captain Sofia Huerta played a pass to Menti, kickstarting the attack. The midfielder served a ball across goal and Maddie Mercado, Reign FC’s leading goalscorer got her head on the end of it but was unable to find the back of the net.
15 minutes later, Ainsley McCammon took a quick shot from distance, almost catching Angel City off guard, but it was off target.
In the 32nd minute, Angel City took the lead on a Gisele Thompson goal. The 20-year-old dribbled into Reign FC’s box and cut the ball onto her left foot before unleashing a low shot into the back of the net. Angel City retained momentum for the remainder of the first half and the Reign went into the locker room down 1-0.
After halftime, it was the Reign who got the scoring started in front of their home crowd. In the 50th minute, a high press led by Mercado forced goalkeeper Angelina Anderson to clear the ball from danger and Ryanne Brown was the first to it, heading it to Fishel in the center of the field. Fishel flicked a ball to Menti, who made a run into the box. The midfielder made no mistakes as her shot went low and hard beyond Anderson.
Just two minutes later, Menti and Fishel combined once again, this time resulting in Fishel getting on the board. McCammon played Menti a pass at the top of the box, with her back to goal. She one touched a perpendicular ball to Fishel, whose stunning shot safely found the top left corner of the goal.
A pair of Angel City substitutes worked to equalize in the 72nd minute, as Evelyn Shores set up Prisca Chilufya to score from the right side of the field.
Reign FC substitute Angharad James-Turner nearly answered back in the 83rd minute, as she corralled a sloppy giveaway from Angel City and wasted no time as she fired off a powerful shot, forcing Anderson to tip the ball over the crossbar to keep the score level.
Both Jordyn Bugg and Claudia Dickey were called upon to stop Ally Sentnor as the match progressed into the stoppage time but were up to the challenge. Just seconds before the final whistle, it looked as though Reign FC would have a chance to take the lead in the match as Mercado was poised to get on the end of a cross, but Angel City FC defender Emily Sams got over top of her, bringing her to the ground in the process. A foul was initially awarded in favor of Angel City but ultimately the referee blew the final whistle, ending the match 2-2.
UP NEXT: Reign FC hosts Chicago Stars FC at Lumen Field on Friday, August 14 in the club’s annual Pride Match, presented by Trupanion. Secure your tickets today for one of the most exciting matches of the year!
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
MENTI MAGIC: Sally Menti got the goalscoring started for the Reign in the 50th minute of the match. The goal marks the second of the season for the midfielder and the third of her career. The match is her first with a goal and assist.
GONE FISHING: Forward Mia Fishel scored Reign FC’s second goal of the match in the 52nd minute after assisting Menti’s goal just minutes earlier. This marks Fishel’s third NWSL goal and her first career match with a goal and assist.
GOAL GALORE: Tonight’s 2-2 draw marks the fifth straight match that Reign FC has scored multiple goals.