CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars begin its final three-game home stretch when hosting Seattle Reign FC for the first time in their second duel this season on Saturday, July 14 at Toyota Park, kicking off at 7 p.m. CT, and will be broadcast live on the NWSL app and the go90 app.
Here are a couple things to look at before the match:
Tag-Team Keepers
Unlike the rest of the league, Seattle Reign has used both goalkeepers, Michelle Betos and Lydia Williams, equally between the posts this season. Betos has played in seven matches, saving a league-high 83% of shots, while Williams has appeared in just one more game, saving 82% of shots. A bit unconstitutional, the tag-team effort has proved successful as Seattle has earned seven clean sheets this season, the most in the league. Despite the success of the two-goalkeeper strategy, the Reign defense has been seen crumbling in the match’s second half, conceding 77% of goal against, with most coming in the middle 15 minutes of the half.
Ending the Scoring Hiatus
During the month of June, Seattle Reign hasn’t seen much success, only scoring twice in five games, earning one victory among three draws and a loss. U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Megan Rapinoe leads the club with six goals, while England international Jodie Taylor adds five on the season. Both have been the consistent scorers for the Reign, as both have a combined 55 shots on goal. Despite the low numbers in June, Rapinoe and Taylor found a goal each in the recent come-from-behind 3-1 victory against the Houston Dash.
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