In their final warm-up before the return to regular season play, Mia Fishel and her Seattle Reign FC teammates secured a hard-fought victory over rivals Portland Thorns FC, prevailing 5-4 in a penalty shootout after regulation time ended goalless.
The match served as a crucial tune-up for the Reign, who are set to resume their league campaign on Friday, August 1. Despite a lack of goals in open play, the contest was a testament to the defensive solidity of both sides, with neither team able to break the deadlock over 90 minutes.
The stalemate led to a dramatic penalty shootout, where the Seattle Reign FC held their nerve to convert five of their spot-kicks, ultimately triumphing over their Pacific Northwest adversaries. Fishel's involvement in the squad underscores her continued role as the team prepares for the competitive demands of the regular season.
Meanwhile Khano Smith's Rhode Island FC have secured the top spot in Group 4 of the USL Jägermeister Cup, following a dramatic 2-2 draw against rivals Hartford Athletic at Centreville Bank Stadium. The hard-fought point in regulation time was enough to cement their place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
The match itself was a captivating, back-and-forth affair, characteristic of a fierce rivalry encounter. Both sides traded blows throughout the ninety minutes, ultimately sharing the goals and setting up a penalty shootout to determine who would claim the bonus point.
While Hartford Athletic emerged victorious from the spot-kicks, winning the shootout 4-3, it was the draw in regular play that proved decisive for Rhode Island FC. That single point was precisely what was needed to ensure they finished at the summit of their group.
The result is a significant achievement for Smith and his team, highlighting their resilience and strategic play in a highly competitive cup format. Their progression to the knockout stages marks a successful phase in their Jägermeister Cup campaign, as they now prepare for the challenges of the quarterfinals.
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