Seattle Reign: Player Ratings vs. Western New York Flash

Back home and looking for revenge, the Seattle Reign got an early goal, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Flash.

After a difficult week which saw the Reign lose on the road, Kopmeyer injured and the debacle that was the WNY Flash’s temporary field, Saturday was a chance for revenge and a fresh start.

The Reign entered the match with an adjusted line-up due to injuries and a tackle shift, seeing multiple players out of their normal positions.

Sounder at Heart reported early in the week that the NWSL had fined the Flash for their field conditions and suspended the head coach for one match.

On top of those stories, Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe were in attendance as the crowd of over 4,000 recognized them ahead of their departure to Rio for the Olympics. But now on the ratings:

CONDITIONS:

• Field (9): Meant to include this last week and award the field with a score of 1, only due the fact it existed. This week we saw regulation dimensions, appropriate grass height and professional facilities. Only losses the one point due to the fact that they have to paint over the football lines.

DEFENSE:

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• TOSTANOKSI (6): First career start, so there are expected growing pains. Overall her play was stronger this week, but there were a few missteps that almost cost the team the point. Twice the Flash looked to have beaten the defense only to be called back by the refs. She will need to hold the line until Solo returns from the Olympics with Kopmeyer sidelined.
• UTSUGI (7): Filled into the left back spot, so her creativity and link up play was put away for defensive coverage with Corsie out. Overall, she covered very well, using her speed to break up Flash counters.
• BARNES (6): Another playing out of position, Barnes had to help clean up vs add width on the left. Had a few missteps that led to WNY chances, but held up well in this makeshift defense against a high scoring offense.
• FLETCHER (7): Took a yellow card, and led the defense with so many gaps around her. The Flash apply a lot of pressure throughout the match and Fletcher kept the back line composed and together.
• Reed (7): Quality in stopping the Flash along the Reign’s right flank, but unable to push high up the field much throughout the night. Likely due with the strikers and midfielders interchanging so much and needed to stay home for the counter.

MIDFIELD:

• YANEZ (7.5): Actually played better and had more energy in this dropped role from her normal top striker position. Linked up well with Melis and filled in for the left width while Utsugi had to play defense.
• FISHLOCK (8.5): Player of the Match for me (and the Reign). Fishlock was all over the field and brought the energy all night. Chased the ball, hurried the Flash midfielders, and challenged the ref and teammates all night.
• WINTERS (7): Solid again. The midfield duo have been the consistent factor throughout this season of injuries, international breaks, and disappointing results. Frustrated Flash attackers all night.
• NAHO (8): In only her third game Naho is already irreplaceable. Creative, great on the ball, she created multiple chances in the first half that the team wasn’t able to capitalize on. Odd to see her starting in the right midfield with Little in the farther advanced role.

OFFENSE:

• LITTLE (8): Listed in the forward role for this match, seemed to play in a dropped role or the #10 spot. Repeating here, but the creativity was there with not a lot to show for it. The Seattle Reign had multiple players on the night moving and passing well, but unable to turn that into quality strikes on goal.
• MELIS (8): Got her first goal on the season and seemed to shine in the lone striker position in the first half. Solid hold up play which was critical against a team that likes to press as in the Flash. Was subbed out for Mathias in the second half, as she is likely still getting back to full match fitness.

Next: Seattle Sounders: Player Ratings v FC Dallas

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

Let us know your thoughts on the Seattle Reign’s player performances against the Flash. The Reign return to action on July 23rd at home against the Orlando Pride.