SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (August 21, 2018) — Another team has clinched a spot in the 2018 NWSL playoffs.

The Seattle Reign FC are the latest team punching its ticket to the playoffs. Seattle joins the North Carolina Courage, as the two are the first two teams locked for a playoff spot. Two more spots are up for grabs.

Seattle Reign Clinches Playoff Spot With 2-0 Win Over Houston Dash

Seattle’s clinching of a final playoff spot came Tuesday night, after earning a 2-0 victory over the Houston Dash.

Houston is still vying for a playoff spot.

Jodie Taylor scored both goals for the Reign. Theresa Nielsen assisted her first goal in the 58th minute. Only three minutes later, Megan Rapinioe assisted Taylor’s second goal.

After the match, Rapinoe said that the Reign didn’t have “that edge” in the first half, despite saying it was “there for us.”

“We needed to put the pedal down a little bit more,” Rapinoe said. “We talked about that at halftime. Then, we came out with a great start. Two great goals by Jodie. It’s great for her to get on the score sheet. She works so hard for us all the time.”

“I think the response in the second half was great.”

Meanwhile, Vlatko Andonovski, Reign FC head coach, said that his players performed like it was the most important game of the season.

“From the first whistle, we wanted to make a statement on what this game means for us,” Andovoski said. “We didn’t want to lose this opportunity. These players, for six months, were working so hard.”

“They are so dedicated and so committed for this one chance.”

Playoffs 💙☔️ @ReignFC pic.twitter.com/2Ktpujxerm

— Lydia Williams (@lydsaussie) August 22, 2018

Three Takeaways

1. Look out North Carolina: Despite the Utah Royals already doing it once, if there’s a team that can beat North Carolina in the post-season, it’s Seattle. Other playoff fighting teams — like the Portland Thorns FC, Orlando Pride, and Chicago Red Stars — have fought consistency issues. However, Seattle has predominately been a solid team this season, holding on to second place and running away with it.
2. Rapinoe and Taylor are crucial: With the injury to Beverly Yanez still keeping her sidelined, the connection between Jodie Taylor and Megan Rapinoe is so vital right now. Teams in the post-season will keep tabs on the two stellar strikers. That’s when players like Jasmyne Spencer, Morgan Andrews and Nahomi Kawasumi have to step up and make big plays of their own.
3. Allie Long out with injury: Not suiting up for this match was Allie Long. The midfielder sustained a knee injury. However, there is no timetable for her return. Andonovski can only hope and pray the injury doesn’t roll into the post-season. Losing Yanez is one thing, but losing Long in the central/defensive midfield would be devastating.

For her second goal, @Jodes_14 fired from long range and got her ninth of the season. #LetItReign pic.twitter.com/HZIJi1gZUg

— OL Reign (@OLReign) August 22, 2018

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