Match Forecast: Reign FC Host Utah Royals in Critical Late-Season Match

Reign FC (8-5-7, 31 points) will host Utah Royals FC (9-7-4, 31 points) at Cheney Stadium on Wednesday, September 18 for a match with big implications for the postseason. The clubs have won one match each in their previous two meetings and will square off with three crucial points on the line.

“Right now, we’re neck and neck with Utah,” Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “We’re both playing on short rest and we’ll have to give it everything we have at home to improve our chances of making the playoffs.”

Last Match: 2-2 D at Washington Spirit

Ifeoma Onumonu recorded her second goal of the season in the second minute of stoppage time to save a point for Reign FC in a 2-2 draw with the Washington Spirit on Saturday, September 14. The late goal helped the club overcome a 90th minute goal from Chloe Logarzo that seemed all but certain to guarantee the hosts three points.

Megan Rapinoe subbed on for midfielder Rosie White at the start of the second half and played 45 minutes, recording three shots on goal.

Bethany Balcer recorded her fourth goal of the season for Reign FC, moving into the team lead with a strike through traffic in the 35th minute. The forward now has a goal and an assist in her last two matches for the club.

Barnes Back from Suspension

Centerback Lauren Barnes will be available for selection in Wednesday’s contest, having served her mandatory one-match suspension after picking up her fifth yellow card of the season against the Orlando Pride on September 7.

Prior to missing the match against Washington, Barnes had started and played every minute of Reign FC’s 2019 season.

“It will be big to have Lu back on our defense for this match,” Andonovski said. “Especially since she’ll be well-rested. She’s a tremendous leader for us and we know we can rely on her to help keep our defensive shape against a talented team.”

Scouting Utah

Utah managed the first win in club history over Reign FC on August 11, winning 3-1 at Cheney Stadium.

The Royals are led offensively by Amy Rodriguez’ eight goals, while Christen Press has added six goals and two assists in 10 appearances for the club. Keeper Nicole Barnhart has kept a league-best 10 clean sheets for Utah this season.

“Utah are a tough team to break down, defensively,” Andonovski said. “We’ll have to be very thoughtful in how we attack their back line and our defense will need to have a big night to stop their attacking talent.”

Injury Report

Seven players are unavailable for selection for Wednesday’s contest:

Taylor Smith (R ACL)

Jasmyne Spencer (L ACL)

Jess Fishlock (L ACL)

Michelle Betos (R achilles)

Jaycie Johnson (SEI R knee)

Scout Watson (SEI concussion)

Shea Groom (rib)

How to Watch

Tickets for the match are available online, or by calling the Reign FC ticket office at (855) REIGN-FC.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the game on their phone, computer or streaming device on Yahoo! Sports, while fans outside of the U.S. can watch the match live on their local ESPN channel or stream.