Jessica Fishlock’s 86th minute goal lifted the Reign to their first road win of 2015.
Jessica Fishlock’s 86th minute goal powered Seattle Reign FC to their first road win of the season, 3-2 over the Breakers at Soldiers Field in Boston. Both teams had and lost one-goal leads before Fishlock’s late decider. The Breakers had yet to lose at Soldiers Field since taking up residence there for the start of this season.
The Breakers struck first in the 14th minute after Kim Little fouled Maddy Evans near the right corner flag. Kristie Mewis curled the free kick toward the goal line and it was deflected in by Reign defender Stephanie Cox.
The Breakers held that lead until the final five minutes of the half. Then a beautiful effort by Kim Little sent the match to halftime level. She played a 41st minute give-and-go with Fishlock and then dribbled near the Breakers penalty area where Kassey Kallman and two other defenders forced her right. With no help on the way Little managed to find a seem between defenders and finish at a difficult angle to the far post. It was the second goal of the season, and first that was not a penalty, for the defending golden boot winner.
The Reign nearly grabbed the lead when Bev Yanez hit the crossbar just short of an hour. They did take the lead in the 66th minute when Yanez finished a cross by Ellie Reed, who received the ball on the heels of some excellent work by Keelin Winters. The assist for Reed came less than a minute after she subbed on for Merritt Mathias.
Not to be deterred the Breakers tied it again in the 76th minute. Nkem Ezurike and Morgan Marlborough, both of whom came off the bench, combined for the strike. Mewis made the initial cross and Ezurike was able to control it with a defender and Reign goalkeeper in her path. Once she did and sent it Marlborough the finish was simple.
Fishlock won it in the 86th when Little beat Kallman and sent a ball through tot Fishlock. Keeper Jami Kranich came out but Fishlock got there first and finished with a single touch.
The Reign (4-2-4, 14 pts) moved into 2nd place. They will be home to FC Kansas City on Saturday. The Breakers (3-4-2, 11 pts) are 5th and host the Flash next Sunday.
