By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - In the first half of the August 7th matchup between the Reign and Houston Dash, it seemed as though the home side would be able to cruise their way to a victory. A Megan Rapinoe goal in the 16th minute, her first of the 2022 campaign, started things off and the Reign dominated the first half statistically. All seemed well on the day that just a year ago, the Reign had defeated the same club 5-1 back in Cheney stadium. The Reign were not able to get anything going following Rapinoe's goal, and the resurgent Dash took advantage thanks to a stretch of five minutes where Houston scored twice.
Kim Little played her final match on loan with the Reign, assisting Megan Rapinoe's goal (Photo by Marriah Menchaca)
Rapinoe rockets first goal of the season
Reign forward Megan Rapinoe came into the match without finding the back of the net on the 2022 season, until today. Rapinoe was active all first half, slowing down a bit in the second. Rapinoe, off of the pass from Kim Little, who crossed the ball from the middle of the field, took the ball in open space to the right hand side of Dash keeper Jane Campbell. The ball took a bounce, and Rapinoe fired with her left foot on a ball that would also take a singular bounce just to the left of Campbell and tucked into the corner for a goal in the 16th minute.
While the Reign were unable to score after that, it was great to see Rapinoe be so active in the first half, and especially to get on the board. While Rapinoe historically hasn't been the most consistent contributor scoring wise for the Reign, her overall presence and IQ is extremely valuable to this club. The pairing of Rapinoe and young Jordyn Huitema up top for the Reign provides an incredible forward attack, and being able to have Bethany Balcer play as a false nine in the future (when she returns from injury) will be a luxury. Having Balcer, Rapinoe, and Huitema leading the attack for a group that has Jess Fishlock and Rose Lavelle in the midfield just sounds amazing. Cannot wait to see them all in action together.
Megan Rapinoe's goal in the 16th minute was her first of the season (Photo by Marriah Menchaca)
Salmon socks it to Reign
Ebony Salmon has been electric for the Dash ever since her exit from Racing Louisville. The attacker was recently named the NWSL Player of the Month for July, and she seemingly showed why in this match against the Reign. For her first goal of the night, Salmon took a penalty drawn by Houston after the referee ruled that a hand ball had occurred in the box. The July player of the month would bury the penalty bottom right corner, just out of the outstretched reach of Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Her second goal of the day came just two minutes later, as the Reign had a giveaway turn into a Dash breakaway. Salmon would receive a through ball one on one with Jimena Lopez. Salmon fired a shot off that would beat Reign keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, putting the Dash up 2-1. All of that, a switch in momentum, in a matter of two minutes. The July player of the month in the National Womens Soccer League stays hot.
Jess Fishlock walks away in disappointment as Houston celebrates a goal (Photo by Melissa Levin)
Where they stand
With the loss (the first at Lumen Field this season), the Reign are now pumped down to sixth in the NWSL table. The win for Houston boosts them to third place in the league. When we take a look at the standings, the Reign sit just four points out of the top spot in the league. Taking into consideration that the Reign have recorded six draws, even cutting that number in half and giving them wins would jettison them to the top of the table. Considering the amount of shots and overall offensive pressure that the Reign have displayed, it isn't far fetched to think that the Reign could push themselves up the table in the next few games.
What's next?
The Reign remain home for the week, playing their next game this Sunday, August 14th against the NY/NJ Gotham FC. Kickoff is at 12PM PST, taking place at Lumen Field. Gotham FC currently sits at 11th (out of 12) in the NWSL table. Gotham has lost their last three, being outscored nine goals to four in that stretch. The Reigns sister club, Olympique Lyonnais, will be honored in a special ceremony at halftime of the match.
Tobin Heath came off of the bench in the 63rd minute for the Reign (Photo by Marriah Menchaca)
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