SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (Aug. 5, 2018) — Beverly Yanez might be injured right now, but she wasn’t missing out on her own celebration.

Seattle Reign FC, before their match against the Washington Spirit, celebrated Yanez. The veteran striker made her 100th appearance for the club earlier in the season. She’s now the third player to do so, following Lauren Barnes and Jessica Fishlock.

Seattle Reign FC Extends Second-Place Lead With 2-0 Win Over Washington Spirit

Yanez’ 100th appearance came against the Chicago Red Stars on July 14.

“I am super thankful to have been able to reach that milestone,” Yanez said to the Reign’s official website, The Bold. “I’m thankful for my amazing teammates and coaches. 100 games in this league is something that I’m very proud of.”

Yanez admitted that she didn’t know the Chicago Red Stars match was her 100th appearance. Instead, she found out on Twitter after the match, reading congratulation messages from fans across the league.

“It’s very special,” Yanez said. “This club means a lot to me, and has always meant a lot to me,” Yanez said. “To be able to play for this club and wear that logo day in and day out has been something that I cherish. I’m proud to be part of this club. Having 100 games all with Seattle Reign FC is very, very special to me.”

Despite not being on the pitch, Yanez was present on the sideline, supporting her team. Seattle, backed by their longtime striker’s support, defeated the Washington Spirit, 2-0, on Sunday.

Jasmyne Spencer scored her first goal of the season in the 44th minute. In the second half, Jodie Taylor scored the game-winning goal in the 77th minute.

“I thought it was a great team effort,” Spencer said, after the match. “We knew it was going to be one of the most difficult games of the season, coming off the break and entering the final playoff push. We managed to hang in there all 90 minutes and come out with three points.”

Three Takeaways

1. Rapinoe still is a triple threat: It’s rare to not see Megan Rapinoe’s name on the score sheet, but she found her way to another column. Rapinoe provided the assist on the game-winning goal from Jodie Taylor. The other veteran striker for Seattle has done well without her right-hand partner, Yanez.
2. Better late than never for Spencer: Last season down in Orlando, Jasmyne Spencer scored three goals. Her best season came in 2016 when she scored four goals. It’s been 17 matches for Spencer in a Reign uniform and this is her first goal. It’s better late than never, and with Yanez being out she can add another to her tally quickly.
3. Sitting pretty for playoffs: While there’s a bloodbath currently going on for third and fourth place between at least four different clubs, the victory for Seattle certainly helps their playoff chances. Right now, the team sits in second place with 33 points, only three points ahead of the third-place team. Next up, Seattle has to face the Utah Royals. That’s a crucial match and three points will be a huge boost.

It started with @ALLIE_LONG's pass and ended with @Jas_it_Up's first goal of the season ? pic.twitter.com/rve9Q2emEh

— Seattle Reign FC (@ReignFC) August 6, 2018

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