June 19, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA – OL Reign (3-2-4, 13 points) defeated Angel City FC (4-4-1, 13 points) at Lumen Field by a score of 1-0. With this win, OL Reign maintain their undefeated run at Lumen Field and their perfect 3-0-0 record against Angel City FC across all competitions.
OL Reign started the game by applying high pressure to Angel City all over the field and forcing the team to make mistakes. Angel City got two shots off in the first four minutes of the match, but OL Reign claimed nearly all of the first half chances on goal after that.
Controlling the game, the Reign found seven shots, courtesy of defender Alana Cook, midfielder Quinn and forwards Megan Rapinoe and Veronica Latsko, before finding the back of the net in the 31st minute of the match.
The play started when midfielder Angelina played a cross into Latsko from the edge of the box. Angel City’s defensed blocked the cross, but in doing so played the ball straight into the path of forward Bethany Balcer, who one touched the ball into the back of the net to put OL Reign ahead.
OL Reign had two more excellent chances in the first half. In the 40th minute, Latsko flicked a shot onto goal, but Angel City was saved by the woodwork. Not long later, midfielder Angelina nearly found a second for the Reign, but her shot went over the crossbar to bring the Reign into halftime up 1-0.
After the halftime break, the Reign were first to get a shot off, but were not controlling the game as much as the first half. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was called on to make saves in the 64th and 70th minutes and was up to the task, preserving OL Reign’s lead.
Neither team had a hold on the match as the second half progressed and the game became more physical. A total of eight yellow cards were issued throughout the match, including two yellow cards to Rapinoe. Despite a difficult second half, the Reign displayed their grit through the end of the match. Regaining control of the match through stoppage time, OL Reign earned a 1-0 win to move into fourth place into the NWSL standings.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
– With this win, OL Reign remains undefeated at Lumen Field
– Bethany Balcer scored her second goal of the season with her 31st minute game winner in tonight’s match
– The Reign have a perfect 3-0-0 record against Angel City FC
– OL Reign have not allowed a goal in their last four home matches, dating back to May 8, 2022
– With a win against Angel City FC, the…