Seattle Reign FC, Chicago Red Stars split points among the smog

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (Aug. 15, 2018) – In 12 matches for the Seattle Reign FC this season, Morgan Andrews has started four games.

Her fourth start came against the Chicago Red Stars on Wednesday night. Right now, for both teams, points are crucial. The Reign currently sit second place with 37 points.

Seattle Reign FC, Chicago Red Stars split points among the smog

Meanwhile, the Red Stars are desperately attempting to reach a playoff spot, sitting in fifth place with 30 points.

While Wednesday’s match was a draw, Chicago could have certainly chalked it up as a loss. Right now, the Red Stars and Orlando Pride hold 30 points to the club’s names. However, it’s the Pride who sit in fourth place.

It was Andrews who tormented the Red Stars defense — and offense — on Wednesday. The 23-year-old, former Boston Breaker was a menace as a defensive midfielder. She was paired alongside veteran midfielder Allie Long.

Andrews was also a force on offense, finding the midfielders and strikers in front of her. She didn’t take a shot, but she didn’t need to. She was coming up with plays, which is what her job as a defensive midfielder entailed.

After the match, Andrews said the match was “aggressive.”

“I was really happy with the way we played,” Andrews, who was the Player of the Match, said. “We tried to possess as much as possible and we really threw our bodies into it and were aggressive. The team sacrificed for each other, which is important. We were just missing finishing some really important opportunities.”

“But that’s something that can be worked on — and it will be.”

Andrews’ start was her second consecutive start under head coach Vlatko Andonvoski. After the match, the Reign FC head coach said it was a “great battle.”

“I thought it was a battle all over the field,” Andonvoski said. “The players did extremely well in battling and playing hard. I told them at halftime and at the end of the game that nobody can question their effort, mentality, and heart. I thought that there was one thing we had to match against Chicago, it was the mentality. We did incredible. I’m very proud of them.”

A brilliant performance in all facets of the game earns @MorganEAndrews tonight's Player of the Match honors!#SEAvCHI #LetItReign pic.twitter.com/XC4Plyhf1u

— OL Reign (@OLReign) August 16, 2018

Three Takeaways

When the smoke clears: Before the match even started, there was controversy around Memorial Park. Around the Seattle air, there was smoke, making it hard to breathe. After bouts of cancellation rumors, the Reign and Red Stars agreed that water breaks would be taken for the match. However, rescheduling seemed like a better option.
Andrews deserves that starting spot: One of the better players for the Boston Breakers last season, Andrews came to Seattle as a bench player. The tough transition to another team with loads of talent shone through at times. Now, Andrews has found her rhythm and is performing well for Andonvoski and her teammates.
Chicago needs a miracle: With the way the Orlando Pride have recently been playing, a draw doesn’t seem too bad for Chicago. However, in soccer, anything can happen. With only five matches left, Chicago is in desperate need of points. Right now, the club is fighting with not only the Pride but also the Utah Royals FC and Houston Dash for that last playoff spot.

"There's so much more than just being on the field."

Start your Friday by watching this video of @laurenkb31 and @beverlygoebel interviewing each other about their lives and passions outside of soccer.

FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/KQSS7nSz3F pic.twitter.com/qlRBwdLlbv

— OL Reign (@OLReign) August 17, 2018