Match Forecast: Reign FC Host Sky Blue FC

Reign FC (8-5-7, 31 points) will square off against Sky Blue FC (4-13-4, 16 points) at home for the final time in 2019. Sky Blue has already been eliminated from playoff contention, but will look to play the spoiler to Reign FC’s postseason aspirations.

“We have to stay focused and do our jobs,” Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “Teams that are playing for a playoff spot are dangerous, but so are teams that are playing for pride. We have to make sure we execute and win at home.”

Utah Match Rescheduled

Reign FC’s match against Utah Royals FC that was scheduled for September 18 did not take place following heavy rainfall in the area. The match has been rescheduled and will take place on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. PT.

All tickets previously purchased for the match will remain valid for September 25.

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.

Reign Well-Rested

The delay of Wednesday’s match did provide a brief respite for Reign FC, giving players a chance to rest ahead of what will now be an nine-day stretch that will see them play three times, facing Sky Blue and two playoff contenders in Utah (on September 25) and Portland (on September 29).

“Obviously, there is some disruption that comes when you prepare yourself for a match and then cannot play it at the normal time,” Andonovski said. “But our players are good professionals and the chance to get a little more rest at this point in the season is helpful, especially with a challenging stretch ahead.”

Scouting Sky Blue

Reign FC beat Sky Blue in their first meeting of the season 2-1 on May 18, before drawing their road match at Red Bull Arena 1-1 on August 18. Sky Blue is 2-2-1 in their last five matches and is 2-6-2 on the road.

Sky Blue is led offensively by midfielder Carli Lloyd. Lloyd has five goals and one assist in 11 appearances for Sky Blue FC this season.

“Carli Lloyd is a great player and a real threat,” Andonovski said. “You don’t have the kind of career she’s had without continuing to find ways to be goal-dangerous. We’ll have to be aware of where she is on the pitch and deny her opportunities to do what makes her so effective.”

Injury Report

Six players are unavailable for selection in Saturday’s contest.

Taylor Smith (SEI - R Knee)

Jasmyne Spencer (SEI - L Knee)

Michelle Betos (SEI - R Achilles)

Jaycie Johnson (SEI - R Knee)

Scout Watson (SEI - Concussion)

Jessica Fishlock (SEI - L Knee)

One player is questionable.

Allie Long (L Hip)

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.