May 9, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release
SEATTLE, WA. – Seattle Reign FC drew 0-0 with the Kansas City Current in a gritty, hard-fought match. The Reign picked up a crucial point during an action-packed week and became the first NWSL team to shutout the Current in 2024.
To begin the match, the Reign focused on keeping a solid defensive shape and shutting down a Kansas City side known for finding the back of the. Goalkeeper Laurel Ivory, who went on to win Player of the Match, set the tone early on, making a save just eight minutes into the match to keep the score level.
The visitors held the majority of possession in the first half with 55%, but the Reign did well to keep the Current’s offensive opportunities out of the most dangerous areas of the field. Midfielder Ji So-Yun earned the Reign’s only first half shot on target in the 35th minute of the match, but her long-range attempt sailed directly into the hands of AD Franch in goal for the Current. The Reign defended 12 shots, four of which were on target, before ushering in the halftime break.
The Reign continued to eliminate Kansas City’s threats in the second half, upping their own quality from the first half of play. Seattle’s backline shined, shifting from a typical shape-oriented style of play to tightly mark players.
One of the Reign’s most promising chances came late in the match, in the 86th minute. Ji was breaking away toward goal with the ball at her feet, but her chance was squandered as KC defender Hailie Mace bodied her off the ball.
The Reign pressed on into the final minutes of the match, fortified by five second half substitutes. In the final winning back-to-back corner kicks and two shots, but both were blocked away from goal. At the final whistle, the scoreless deadlock remained, and the teams split the points.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
NEW STARTING XI: Through eight games this season, the Reign have not listed a replicated starting XI as the club continues to utilize the depth of the squad. Defender Sofia Huerta is the only player to start in all eight games and to play every minute this season for a total of 720 minutes.
SHUTOUTS IN SEATTLE: Seattle Reign FC earned its second shutout of the 2024 season and first since the season opener on March 17. The Reign are the first team this year to keep the Kansas City Current scoreless, a team that leads the league in shots and goals prior to Week 8.
SOFIA HUERTA: Defender Sofia Huerta has played every…