The NWSL started their 2024 season on March 16th. Within the first day of the season a record was broken, many goals were scored, and rookies shined. Today, March 17th, sees a match between Seattle Reign FC and the Washington Spirit. Reign FC finished their 2023 season in 4th place while the Spirit finished in 8th. The match will take place at 6 pm EST at Lumen Field. It will be the first match of the season for both of these teams. If the first day of the season was any indication of what is to come this should be a solid match-up.
Players to Watch
Seattle Reign FC has been one of the NWSL’s top-of-the-table teams for many seasons. They have won the Shield three times and made the playoffs 7 times. However, in those seven trips, Reign FC has yet to lift the championship trophy. Even with a lack of a championship Reign FC has a strong roster. One player to watch is Forward Bethany Balcer. She led the team in goals last season with six. She is a consistent player and puts a majority of her shots on target. Balcer can be considered a danger for defense when inside the box. Teams should also be aware of the 21-year-old Jordyn Huitema. She came second in goals scored, 5, and is quick to fire off shots in the box.
Washington Spirit is also a strong club. In 2021 they lifted their first NWSL Championship. Trinity Rodman, who signed a four-year 1.1 million contract with the Spirit, has been a huge help for the team. Last season she scored five goals for the club. Rodman is still young, 21 years old, and if the Spirit plans to keep her around she will most likely lead the team to another championship. The Spirit also has midfielder Andi Sullivan. Her passing success rate is 75.3% and she is very capable of putting the ball into a position to lead to a goal.
Head to Head
Seattle Reign FC and the Washington Spirit have met in 29 matches. Reign FC leads the head-to-head with a winning record of 13-9-8. In these 29 matches Reign FC has scored nine times against the Spirit and the Spirit have scored nine times against Reign FC. It seems that these teams are very evenly matched even with Seattle taking the winning record. With it being the start of the season both teams will have their full rosters ready to go.
Conclusion
Though Seattle Reign has the higher win rate against the Washington Spirit this game is up in the air. If Washington comes out firing on all cylinders they have a chance to cause an upset. The Spirit did not have the best season last year so one would think they’re hungry for wins. Look for them to lean heavily on Rodman. On the other side of the pitch, the Reign roster is full of strong veterans. Either the younger Rodman will lead her team to a victory or the strong core of the Reign will shut them out. This game will most likely be low in scoring or come to a draw.
Also Read: 2024 NWSL Season: New Beginnings, and Expanded Games
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Follow her on Twitter @edellapiana1 .
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