May 29, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA – OL Reign (2-1-3, 9 points) earned a massive win over first-place San Diego Wave FC (4-2-0, 12 points) to round out their swell of games at Lumen. The 1-0 match featured a game winning goal from a set piece, expertly served in by defender Sofia Huerta and headed home by Midfielder Rose Lavelle.
From the first whistle, OL Reign was the dominant team, despite playing last Sunday and Wednesday. The Reign moved the ball around the field, looking to break San Diego’s backline, while also applying high pressure to the Wave when possession was lost.
In the first 25 minutes of the match, the home side took three shots – two of which were from rookie midfielder Olivia Van der Jagt and one from forward Bethany Balcer. Though they did not find the back of the net, the team had San Diego on the back foot. The Reign did well to limit the opportunities of San Diego, not allowing a shot until the 25th minute of the match or a shot on target until the 79th minute. Though OL Reign dominated, things were level at the half.
OL Reign came out the better team in the second half as well. OL Reign midfielders Quinn and Van der Jagt came up big in the midfield, really controlling the transitional moments of the game. The Reign had six chances on goal before finding a breakthrough.
On a set piece in the 75th minute, Huerta swung the ball into the box, perfectly placed for Rose Lavelle to score a diving header to put the Reign ahead of the visitors. Energized, the Reign opted to press forward, rather than holding back to defend the lead.
OL Reign remained an offensive threat through the final whistle and confidently took all three points from the match. The match also featured an exciting milestone for OL Reign original, Jess Fishlock. The midfielder and 2021 MVP reached her 150th regular season match played. Every one of her matches were played with OL Reign and she is the first international…