April 20, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA. – OL Reign (1-1-0, 3 points, 1st place) maintained their perfect record against Angel City FC (0-1-0, 0 points, 4th place) with a 2-0 win tonight. With this win, the Reign take the top spot in their UKG Challenge Cup group after the first week of play.
The match started with Angel City pressing high, not allowing any space for OL Reign to make a mistake. It was clear that the game would be intense and physical as both rotated lineups battled for dominance. OL Reign’s backline, featuring Ryanne Brown, Alana Cook, Emily Sonnett and Shae Holmes did well to fend off Angel City’s dangerous attack, while also getting into the offensive half of the field.
Though the first half was full of action, the teams remained deadlocked at zeroes. Brown had a standout performance at outside back, using her pace and grit to cause problems for Angel City’s defense. Midfielder Quinn, Cook and forward Veronica Latsko all registered shots in the first half, but it wasn’t quite enough to beat Brittany Isenhour in goal. Just before halftime, Quinn was subbed off the field after picking up a knock to their ankle, replaced by veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock.
The second half had a similar pace to the first and both teams continued to search for the opening goal. Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey held solid, doing an excellent job to keep Angel City off the board. In order to break down the home side, the Reign showed great patience in possession, moving the ball around the field to break lines.
The Reign finally found the breakthrough goal in the 64th minute, when forward Jordyn Huitema used her speed to pressure Angel City’s goalkeeper into making a mistake on the ball. Huitema picked the ball up in the box, one-touching it into the back of the open net to put OL Reign in the lead.
OL Reign’s next goal came 13 minutes later when forward Megan Rapinoe served a corner kick into the box. Fishlock got onto the end of the driven ball, flicking it toward goal. The ball bounced off the back of an Angel City player into the back of the net, doubling OL Reign’s lead.
Through the rest of the match, OL Reign fought to hold on to not only the lead, but the clean sheet as well. At the final whistle, the team reigned supreme, earning all three points from their first UKG Challenge Cup match of the year and extending their perfect record against Angel City to five matches.
Key Facts:
– With tonight’s 2-0 win over…