Seattle Reign Over the NWSL After Two Years Off the Throne

Seattle scored 43 goals and conceded 37 in 2017. The teams of the NWSL followed the trend set by the Courage to goal scoring success. North Carolina contained themselves giving up 22 goals.

The Reign’s defense came back to 2016 standards. The Emerald City allowed 0.89 goals a game. Seattle gave up 1.05 goals a game two years ago.

Both Seattle and Sky Blue FC played three games in one week. Sky Blue pulled off an attacking display rarely seen from the last place side. The Reign’s defense withstood their pressure and other teams in the league conceding the second fewest goals.

Seattle poured it on against Sky Blue on May 12 at home. The Reign attacked both sides eventually settling on the left side to possess the ball. The squad kept possession building from an unpressured backline.

The Reign’s usual 4-3-3 formation changed into a 2-3-2-3 to attack by through balls or long balls from turnovers. Their offense plays quick and confident. Jessica Fishlock effortlessly changes the midfield from attack to defense.

Megan Rapino scored 12 goals last season. She’s currently tallied five. Beverly Yanez, who scored four in 2017, bagged two this campaign.

North Carolina rules first place with a nine-point lead over Seattle. The Reign’s battle against four teams trying to remain or climb into the top four. Seattle resembles the 2016 squad tidy on defense and scoring enough goals to win aside from May 12.

The Reign fifth place purgatory may end this year. The contest for the top four this year fluctuates. Seattle’s reputation of an undisciplined defense or lack of goal scoring over the years may be misleading. The Reign sits high at the top four so far this season.