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Seattle Reign: Player Ratings vs. Boston Breakers

By Nathan Reynolds

SEATTLE, WA - JULY 20: Nahomi Kawasumi
SEATTLE, WA - JULY 20: Nahomi Kawasumi /
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Seattle Reign Player Ratings as the team returns to winning ways, 2-0 over the Boston Breakers.

On Saturday, July 2nd, the Seattle Reign picked up three points at home in Memorial Stadium in front of over 4,300 fans against the last-place Boston Breakers. The victory moves the Reign into 5th place in the NWSL standings, and only two points outside of the playoff positions. The 2-0 victory marks only the second time this year the team have managed to score more than one goal. The first being week 2’s 3-0 victory at Boston. Now to the individual player performances:

DEFENSE

  • KOPMEYER (7): The NWSL’s best backup goalkeeper posted another shut-out, filling in for Hope Solo who was away for the Olympic camp. Boston didn’t create a lot of pressure on Kopmeyer throughout the match, but she was steady, stopping their three shots on goal.
  • BARNES (7): Yet again another impressive performance by the defense as a unit. Barnes created width on the left hand side, and contained Breaker attacks all night.
  • FLETCHER (8): This is the back four’s fifth straight shut-out. Fletcher made several good interceptions during the few chances Boston looked to create.
  • CORSIE (8): Rock-solid. If this defense continues to play at this level, another good playoff run is ahead.
  • REED (7): More of the same, frustrating Boston’s attackers, and linking up the Naho up the right flank. Next week looms large as the Seattle Reign take on the current top two scores in NWSL.
  • CRUZ (N/A): Only in the match for the final few moments.

MIDFIELDERS

  • LITTLE (8.5): With Naho now on the pitch is gives Little even more space to work with, who created numerous attacks with corner kicks and throughballs. The midfield for the Reign is stacked, and once Rapinoe returns may need to see a formation change to ensure all the best players are on the pitch together.
  • FISHLOCK (8): Solid game, only seems less due to the big games by Naho and Winters. Fishlock was all over the field, making several overlapping runs behind the defenders as well as covering on defense.
  • WINTERS (8.5): After a difficult match in the Kansas City heat, Winters was impressive. Assisted the second goal to Naho, but throughout the entire game she broke up play, linked to the attackers and helped maintain possession.
  • KAWASUMI (9): Amazing return to the club. Two goals, creative play along the right side, and an overall energy boost to the team. Lifted both the crowd and her teammates on a night that sees her become the 2nd place goal scorer this year in just one match. Exactly what the Reign have been looking for.
  • ELSTON (7): Came in for Melis after the collision, and looked in step with the speed of the match. Chased the ball well to put the pressure on Boston in the final third of the match.

OFFENSE

  • YANEZ (6): Still only one goal in 11 matches. Linked up well with the midfield behind her, but not able to create enough chances on her own, or challenge the keeper throughout the match.
  • MELIS (7.5): Assisted Naho on the first goal, but likewise is only on 1 goal this season. Had a massive collision with the Boston goalkeeper after chasing a long ball and tremendous effort considering the dangerous area the ball had been played into.

Next: Seattle Reign: Paige Nielsen Waived

If you missed the match you can check out the highlights below, or visit the NWSL YouTube Channel for the full-match video.

What were your thoughts on the Seattle Reign’s player performances against Boston on Saturday night? The Reign return to action on July 9th on the road against the Western New York Flash.

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