Hope Solo was available but did not play for Seattle on Saturday, a week after her arrest. (Photo Copyright Erica McCaulley for The Equalizer)
For the first time this year, two NWSL teams played to a scoreless draw. Sky Blue FC finished its Pacific Northwest road trip with four points and Seattle Reign FC stayed unbeaten through 14 games as the two teams shared the points on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, finishing 0-0.
Hope Solo sat on the bench but was available for selection for Seattle one week after her arrest on investigation of two counts of domestic violence assault. Haley Kopmeyer started her third straight game in goal for the Reign. Solo, as of now, is expected to be available for all games.
An uncharacteristically lethargic Seattle team had chances to win the match late, including Jess Fishlock’s shot from 18 yards out that hit the crossbar in stoppage time, but the Reign (11-0-3, 36 pts.) were unable take all three points in front of their biggest home crowd of the season.
Reign forward Sydney Leroux hit the post in the 59th minute on a header at the back post. Nahomi Kawasumi sent the cross in from the right flank.
Kawasumi was Seattle’s most active player throughout the match, forcing a big save out of Sky Blue goalkeeper Brittany Cameron less than a minute prior to Leroux’s near-goal. Kawasumi was also denied a goal by Cameron in the opening minutes of the match.
Sky Blue FC, which picked up a shocking and needed 2-1 victory over Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday, did little to create many chances throughout the match. Midfielder Katy Freels had the best opportunity for the visitors in the 86th minute, when she sent a left-footed shot from 20 yards out just wide of goal.
Seattle next faces a quick turnaround, with another trip to Rochester, N.Y., to face the Western New York Flash on Wednesday. Midfielder Megan Rapinoe is still injured and has not played since the April 13 opener.
Sky Blue heads home to New Jersey, where the team will host the Houston Dash on Wednesday.
