Written By: Marilia Macedo
OL Reign went to Louisville to face Racing on Saturday, April 29, at Lynn Family Stadium in another NWSL regular season round. Louisville scored twice during the first half, while Reign scored twice during the second.
The first half started unfavorably for Reign – Racing prevailed, had more ball possession, attacked more, and took the lead in the 7th minute, scored by Paige Monaghan. Afterward, Pickett and Mohnagan had chances to send it to the back of the net, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce made great saves.
In search of a tie, Megan Rapinoe – chosen to start the match for the first time this season – sent the ball into the crossbar, which was a relief for the home team.
OL’s improvement was noticeable during the duel, but Louisville made it 2-0 at the end of the first half with DeMelo, who right-footed from outside the area and scored a beautiful goal.
After the break, with any substitutions, the teams returned to the field. The game became more even, and in the 67th minute, Katie Lund brought down Huitema in the area, and the referee conceded a penalty. Rapinoe, cold as ice, converted before leaving the field for King to enter, 2-1.
Moments later, DeMelo received the second yellow, and Racing went on to play with 10.
Then, the Seattle team took advantage and did not waste the opportunity to equalize: in the final minutes, Alana Cook crossed, and Huitema headed perfectly, rescuing a point for the squad, 2-2.
The next OL Reign match will be against Angel City, in the Challenge Cup, on Wednesday, May 3, at 10 PM ET. Meanwhile, Racing Louisville will face Orlando Pride on Saturday, May 6, at 7 PM ET.
Photo courtesy of OL Reign*
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