In A Night of Firsts the Reign Fall short

Friday May 23 saw a match up between the Seattle Reign and the visiting Washington Spirit. The first 15 minutes were swaying in the direction of the Spirit with a quick goal from Gift Monday, which was called offsides in the 7th minute. Struggling to keep up with the Spirit’s quick front line the Reign was playing with a defensive tone. The ice was broken with a cross from Casey Krueger and a tap from Croix Bethune leading to an own goal from defender Shae Holmes quickly with a 1-0 lead . Bethune returned to the Spirit this season after an injury, with Fridays matchup being her second game this season.

The Reign managed to break the ice with a goal from Shae Holmes in the 17th minute. The UW alum scored her first NWSL career goal, marking her revenge for the own goal earlier in the half. Ultimately this equalizer stood only for so long before the Spirit pulled ahead with a goal from Ashley Hatch in the 33rd minute.

The second half gave the Reign a second wind, the chances produced didn’t produce any results for the Reign. In the 89’ minute Reign fans got to see a homecoming debut from Sally Menti coming on for midfielder Maddie Dahlien. Continuing the theme of hometown heroes, Menti easily is one. After a successful run at the Santa Clara Broncoes, Menti began to train with the Reign in the preseason until a short-term contract was announced in March. When asked about the choice to bring Menti in, Coach Laura Harvey responded saying that Menti added a dynamic and attack minded player on the field

The Reign on the road in San Diego on June 6th.

As always support women’s sports and GO DAWGS,

L