April 24, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA – OL Reign (4-0-2) drew 1-1 with San Diego Wave FC (1-3-2) on the road to round out their Challenge Cup group stage. The draw was enough to secure the Reign’s first place finish in the West Division of the Challenge Cup. The gritty game was a testament to OL Reign’s character throughout the entire tournament.
OL Reign opened the scoring of the match, yet again. The play started when OL Reign was pressed high up the field and forward Bethany Balcer was in position to take advantage of a ball misplayed by San Diego goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Balcer played the ball to forward Ally Watt on her right, who took one touch before burying the ball in the back of an empty net in the 13th minute of the match.
Throughout the rest of the first half, OL Reign was looking to double their lead, but had to navigate around the high pressure of San Diego. The game was not one-sided, and San Diego had their share of chances on goal. However, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and her backline did well to keep San Diego off the board.
San Diego found a bit of luck in the 44th minute, when a questionable handball was called on OL Reign in the box. Despite the protests of OL Reign players, the referee awarded San Diego with a penalty kick. Forward Alex Morgan stepped up to the spot and converted the kick, tying up the match in stoppage time of the first half.
After halftime, OL Reign absorbed a lot of pressure from the Wave, who came out attacking high up the field. The Reign held their composure and searched for opportunities to break the high press. The team got shots off in the 62nd and 65th minutes but didn’t find the back of the net..
Tempers began to flair in the match as the tension continued to build. Several players picked up yellow cards as the game became more physical. San Diego midfielder Kelsey Turnbow saw yellow twice and was sent off the field in the 82nd minute of the…