Photo by Tia Lee courtesy of Seattle Reign FC
Seattle Reign picked up a massive three points Saturday night with a dramatic, uncharacteristically high-scoring 3-2 win at Bay FC. Veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock, who announced she will retire at the end of this season, subbed on in the 84th minute and scored the game-winner just a minute later. The finish in behind the defense marked Fishlock’s 50th career National Women’s Soccer League regular season goal. Fishlock is the 10th player in league history to hit the mark.
It was a big comeback for the Reign, who initially opened up a two-goal lead in the first 10 minutes of play. The first goal came five minutes in from Mia Fishel. It was her first NWSL goal in open play, with a cheeky finish to boot, after her first score came from the penalty spot. Maddie Dahlien provided the assist on Fishel’s goal and then scored a goal of her own to double Seattle’s advantage.
Bay FC were quicker to mount a comeback. Hannah Bebar scored her first NWSL goal in the 13th minute with a brilliant solo effort from outside the box. Just 10 minutes later, the home team nearly had the equalizer, but it was called back for an offside violation.
Going into this match, Bay and Seattle had scored some of the fewest second-half goals in the league and most in the first half. But NWSL After Dark delivered for both teams.
In the 75th minute, Bay finally found a second goal with a well-designed and executed set-piece move, finished off by Keira Barry. Fishlock retook the lead for Seattle 10 minutes later.
The result puts the Reign just out of playoff position, in ninth place on tie-breakers but even on 23 points with Orlando Pride and Angel City FC. Bay FC remains in 14th, with 19 points.
