The sixth season of the National Women’s Soccer League kicked off yesterday with the Seattle Reign hosting the Washington Spirit as one of three matches on opening day. The Reign defeated the Spirit 2-1 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle thanks to goals from USWNT star Megan Rapinoe and new signing Jodie Taylor, an English international.
Rapinoe’s goal came in the 7th minute — a wonderfully struck free kick from over 25 yards out that left Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe, an offseason acquisition from Orlando, no chance.
Rapinoe then provided the assist on Taylor’s goal in the 35th minute before wily veteran Joanna Lohman pulled one back for Washington in the 68th minute following a fantastic turn in the box.
After scoring 12 goals in 18 games for Seattle last season, Rapinoe has picked up right where she left off in 2018.