International Recap: Reign Players Go Undefeated, Fishlock Breaks Wales Scoring Record
International Recap: Reign Players Go Undefeated, Fishlock Breaks Wales Scoring Record
In an exciting international window, all six Seattle Reign FC players called up to their national teams made an appearance, helping their teams to go undefeated. Canada got the better of Australia in a pre-Olympics friendly match, while the U.S. U-20 team drew one match with Mexico and won the second. Wales showed out over the international break, claiming dominant wins in both matches to top their qualifying group. In addition, Fishlock earned her place as Cymru’s top goal scorer of all time with 45 goals.
Next up, Reign FC’s Canada players, Jordyn Huitema and Quinn, will take part in the 2024 Olympics Games.
Wales – Jess Fishlock, Angharad James-Turner and Lily Woodham
In the first of two UEFA Women’s EURO qualifying matches, Wales downed Croatia in a dominate 3-0 win. Fishlock and James-Turner started the match, while Woodham subbed into the match in the second half. Wales started the match with a bang, getting on the scoresheet just 14 minutes in. James-Turner cut a ball back to Fishlock, who launched the ball into the back of the net, tying Cymru’s all-time scoring record.
In the second half, Wales doubled the lead when Sophie Ingle tapped home a close range shot in the 66th minute of the match. Cymru then earned a penalty kick with two minutes left on the clock. Kayleigh Barton stepped up to take the kick and made no mistake as she found the back of the net and brought the final score to 3-0 in favor of Wales, boosting them to the top of their group.
In the second qualifying match of the international window, Wales once again secured a win, this time 2-0 against Kosovo. Fishlock, James-Turner and Woodham all got the start as Wales took the lead early once again. Just eight minutes into the match, Fishlock revived a ball and took a picture perfect touch to clear her way past Kosovo’s defense and put the ball into the back of the net. With the goal, Fishlock becomes Cymru’s all-time top goal scorer, with 45 goals. In the 27th minute of the match, Mary McAteer scored a goal of her own to round out the scoring of the match.
With two victories, Wales confirmed their place as League B winners in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifying round and await their play-off path draw.
Canada – Jordyn Huitema and Quinn
Canada played one public friendly match prior to beginning their journey to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The reigning gold medalists defeated Australia 2-1 after initially going down a goal in the 23rd minute of the match. Canada found an equalizer in the dying minute of the first half, thanks to forward Nichelle Prince.
Seattle Reign FC forward Jordyn Huitema subbed onto the field after the halftime break and midfielder Quinn followed in the 57th minute of the match. Huitema’s impact in the match was felt immediately as she challenged Australia’s backline. In the end, Canada found an 85th minute game winner as Huitema found forward Evelyne Viens in the box. Viens made no mistake as she decisively sent her shot into the back of the net and secured the win for Canada.
In addition, Canada played a closed-door friendly match today and earned a 1-0 victory, with Huitema scoring the lone goal.
U.S. U-20 – Emeri Adames
The United States Under-20 Women’s Youth National Team played two friendly matches at camp in Athens, Georgia, both against Mexico. The first match ended level with one goal apiece. Mexico struck first, scoring in the 32nd minute before Pietra Tordin leveled the score in the 41st minute. Reign forward Emeri Adames started the match and played 83 minutes before subbing off the field.
In the second match against Mexico, the United States picked up a solid 3-0 win. Ally Sentnor scored the first goal from the center of the box in the 35th minute and added another in the 56th minute to double the lead for the United States.
The U.S. struck once more before the end of the match on a penalty kick, converted cooly by Riley Jackson.