OL Reign has clinched the NWSL Shield.
The team defeated the Orlando Pride 3-0 on Saturday to claim the honor, bringing back the league title to Seattle for the first time since 2015.
The Portland Thorns’ dramatic 3-3 draw with Gotham FC earlier in the day put the Shield in play for the OL Reign, securing the title with a win over Orlando to move atop the league standings.
The Reign wasted no time out on the pitch, jumping to the early lead with a goal by Megan Rapinoe in the eighth minute of the match. Bethany Balcer and Jordyn Huitema followed in Rapinoe’s footsteps, scoring in the first half to secure the 3-0 triumph quickly in front of a thrilling 10,746-person Lumen Field crowd.
“This league’s the best. This is why people want to be a part of it,” OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey exclaimed following the win. “Because what league in the world can the winner of the league be debated on the last day of the season?”
The Reign’s number one ranking also earned them a first-round bye and a home semifinal for the playoffs. The break will be much needed, as several players head out on international duty next week with the USWNT taking on European rivals abroad.
“We wanted to come out and be able to play the game and put our stamp on it and get a goal that has been ours throughout the year,” Rapinoe said. “We have a little bit further to go, definitely some unfinished business from our careers, but just an incredibly special night.”
OL Reign return to action on October 23, when hosting their semifinal matchup at Lumen Field.
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