NWSL: Interview with Seattle Reign Midfielder Lindsay Elston

Now in her third season in the NWSL, Seattle Reign midfielder Lindsay Elston is looking to help a very deep squad make a run for its first league title.

With two weeks in the books for the 2017 NWSL season, the Seattle Reign sit in second place. They opened the year with a 1-1 draw against Sky Blue FC. Which was followed up by a home rout of the Houston Dash 5-1.

The club travels to Boston this coming weekend to take on the Breakers in week three. Before the team headed out I spoke with Reign midfielder Lindsay Elston on her position, the 2017 season, and much more.

NR: In preseason, when the Reign played your alma mater (the University of Washington), you started in the center of midfield. Then to open the season against Sky Blue FC Coach Laura Harvey placed you as the central forward. Was that attacking position something worked on during preseason or did that switch come somewhat as a surprise?

LE: My focus throughout all of the preseason camp was on one of the center mid spots. However, I think Laura wanted to reward me with a start on opening night after a strong preseason. I am more comfortable in the midfield, but am willing to step into whatever role is needed each game. I found out about the start up top a day or two before the match, and was just excited to be starting the opening game.

More from NWSL

• Starry Connections: Kevin Durant Boosts Gotham FC’s Profile in NWSL Final
• Ali Krieger: From Glory on the Fields to the Coaching Journey
• Emotions Run High: Farewell to Rapinoe and Krieger in Women’s Soccer
• Kerolin’s Rise: A Brazilian Star Illuminates NWSL in 2023
• Historic Triumph of NJ/NY Gotham FC in NWSL 2023: A Remarkable Turnaround

NR: Would you say that the central midfielder in the Reign’s 4-3-3 lineup is your strongest spot at the moment?

LE: Yes. Again while I am happy to move up top or out wide, being in the center of the pitch to move box to box probably suits my strengths the best.

NR: After a tough 1-1 draw, Seattle flew past Houston 5-1 in week two. Do you think that performance was due to something unique about the match-up, or more so having an extra week for the team to gel?

LE: At Seattle we have a lot of international players. With that and the short preseason, there wasn’t a lot of time for the full team to train together. It takes a while to pick up on new players’ tendencies, positioning, and then how the coach lines us up. I think there were a lot of nerves in the first game, like most years, but overall we felt like the performance against Sky Blue FC wasn’t a good representation of our preseason or who we are as a team. There needed to be a response in week two and that’s what we saw.

Related Story: NWSL Power Rankings: Week 2

NR: What has been the biggest difference you’ve noticed in the league, since your first appearance back in 2014 to now.

LE: Someone recently told me that there are only four players from the original Houston Dash team that are still in the league, with me as one of them. Which surprised me. However, the league is night and day from my first year out of college, to when I returned from playing with FC Metz in France. It is amazing to have this league to play in, and each year we see the structure of it getting stronger.

NR: Looking ahead in 2017, what are your personal goals for this season?

LE: Well last year my goal was to get on the team and earn a contract. In 2017, the goal has to be working my way into the starting lineup. Which is tough because we have what might be the deepest roster in the league from 1 to 20. It’ll be tough, but the key is to make sure I take advantage of the chances I get and show my worth on the pitch, which hopefully leads to more. But having a deep roster is great, because it helps push everyone.

NR: What is your favorite city to travel to for a road match?

LE: Houston and Boston, because of the chance to play in front of family and friends. Plus, the atmosphere in Portland is great.

NR: Last one is another easy one. Being a veteran of living in Seattle, what are your favorite places around town that you recommend to new teammates.

LE: Well I really enjoy the outdoors, and have a few hikes that I love to do with my teammates. However, I’d recommend paddle boarding at Gas Works Park, as well as visiting the Kirkland waterfront area.

Next: The Reign Files: Week 2 Round Up for the Seattle Reign

The Seattle Reign take on the Boston Breakers on the road this Saturday at 7:00 pm ET. You can catch the game on the go90 website or mobile app.