The Seattle Reign FC fell 1-0 to Kansas City FC tonight in a very hard-fought match. With Hope Solo leading the team in goal, the Reign were looking for payback after a tough 1-0 nothing to Kansas City the last time the two teams met. Unfortunately tonight would not be the night that they find that payback.
In the 2nd minute, Hope Solo was forced to make her first save of the game – she handled it easily. The first half was a real battle of possession. Both teams had their opportunities but nothing that proved fruitful for either team.
The best goal scoring chance of the whole first half came in the 42nd minute. Kansas City midfielder, Kristi Mewis, played a perfectly weighted through ball to her forward, Lauren Cheney. Hope Solo was forced to come out of goal, but Cheney beat her to the ball. She chipped it over the sliding Hope Solo and the ball was bouncing in for a certain goal, but was saved off of the goal line beautifully by defender Lauren Barnes.
The first half ended 0-0.
In the second half, the pace of the game picked up and it was obvious that both teams were eager for a goal. The most exciting chance of the whole game for the Reign came in the 56th minute. Jessica Fishlock drilled a left footed shot off of the post and it bounced back out straight to Keelin Winters who ripped in another shot, but this time it was a defender that cleared it off the line.
In the 63rd minute Kansas City found their winning goal. Erika Tymrak received a little through ball near the end-line and whipped it in hard to the near post. Hope Solo got a hand on it, but the ball took a very unfortunate bounce off of the post and slipped across the goal-line.
After the goal, the Reign pressed even harder, and for the most part, maintained possession in the attacking half. They had a few shots and even more crosses, but were unable to find the back of the net to equalize it. In the end, the Reign lose another very close game at home.
For more team information please visit the Seattle Reign FC’s website.
