Megan Rapinoe described the occasion of the NWSL Championship being her final career game as “the perfect way to go out”, with Ali Krieger emphasizing the occasion of sharing their final game together as “I couldn’t have dreamt it in a better way”.

Both sides entered the NWSL Playoffs as lower-seeds and thus had to play the additional first round. Consequently, the top-two seeds, San Diego and Portland, who had a bye in the first round, were upset at their own respective home grounds by the two current finalists.

NWSL Round 1: OL Reign 1-0 Angel City FC

The Reign went into this game with the short-term goal of snapping the streak of winless playoff appearances, with Head Coach Laura Harvey sending a strong lineup, as expected. Angel City started the game on the offensive, trying to break down the Reign with possession. However, the Reign contained Angle City’s pressure and picked up the momentum, particularly in the second half.

Rose Lavelle made her highly-anticipated return from injury in the 64th minute, receiving a serenading cheer from the home crowd. Rapinoe expressed her characteristically unfiltered excitement at Lavelle’s return to play after the game with a loud “f**k yeah”, and began talking about her love to play: “We’ve seen Rose struggle a battle, and it’s been a tough year for her … you have to drag her off the practice field”. 

The game remained scoreless until the 87th minute, and after a series of OL Reign attempts at goal, Veronica Latsko sealed the victory from a cross. Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson was barely out of reach of making the save, and the 12,000+ supporters erupted in celebration.

Megan Rapinoe spoke about the playoff struggle of the past, where the victory marked the Reign’s first NWSL Playoff victory since 2015: “I don’t think it was a curse; I think we’ve just been playing not that well in the playoffs—certainly last year we didn’t. The year before that, we actually played really well and just didn’t get the result”. 

Due to the nature of the playoff structure, this fixture would be the Reign’s final home game of the season. Laura Harvey, at the post-match press conference, thanked the supporters and expressed her belief in the team’s hunger for success.

NWSL Semifinal: San Diego Wave 0-1 OL Reign

The Reign traveled to San Diego to play the top-seeded Wave, a team that has not defeated the Reign in any competition. The recent meetings between the Reign and San Diego Wave had most commonly finished with a one-goal margin, and the semifinal was no exception.

Laura Harvey decided to change the team’s formation to better incorporate Rose Lavelle into the starting eleven, switching to a 4-3-3. Despite the Wave having more shots in this game, the Reign finished with more shots on target—and a goal. Assisted by Rose Lavelle, a goal once again came from Veronica Latsko. The 47th-minute winner came as a cross that was sent in from Latsko; however, the ball floated perfectly into the top-left corner of the net. Latsko clarified her shot was meant to be a cross, but given the weight of the goal’s purpose, no one will truly worry about the intent.

San Diego was pressing to find an answer, and as the clock was ticking, an equalizer became a desperate necessity. Ultimately, Latsko’s goal ended up being the only necessary moment to secure the Reign’s championship meeting with Gotham.

The scenes after the final whistle made the occasion look like a championship, consisting of a field of visibly heartbroken San Diego players mixed with the entire OL Reign team celebrating together. Latsko’s thoughts after the game detailed her team-oriented mindset in a very short statement, as she said, “Honestly, I’m just happy that we’re going to the championship. That’s all I care about”.

NWSL Final: OL Reign vs NY Gotham FC, 11/11/23

The OL Reign and Gotham will be playing for their first NWSL-era championship star, and since the league’s inaugural season in 2013, both have come relatively short of the main prize at some point. The OL Reign, formerly known as the Seattle Reign FC, finished as runners-up in 2014 and 2015 and have not won an NWSL Championship until the current season. Gotham’s last playoff appearance was the first round of the 2021 NWSL Playoffs, and the time prior was the semifinals back in their Sky Blue FC era, near the conclusion of the league’s inaugural season.

In the 2023 regular season, the two meetings between the Reign and Gotham finished as a 2-0 road victory for the Reign, and the most recent fixture was a 4-1 road victory for Gotham. The Reign edge out Gotham 4-0-3 (W-D-L) in the head-to-head record since 2021, and a noticeable trend we can observe is the amount of goals, where it follows the aggregate score of 11-11 each.

The championship game will kick off at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday in San Diego, a neutral venue, and stream options are the CBS Television Network and Paramount Plus.

Cover Photo by Nathan Berg / Berg Media (Partner of ASN)

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Although Angel City fell short in the last minute they still gave it there all and fought aggressively for 88 competitive minutes.

The loss was just the second in 15 games for Angel City under interim Coach Becki Tweed, who in June took over a team that was buried near the bottom of the standings and led them to the fifth in the bracket, in the 12-team league and their first postseason berth. Playing their fourth game in 18 days, Angel City unfortunately ran out of energy in the final minutes.

Last night local Sydney Roux with her team Angel City fought strongly against experienced Rapinoe and USA Olympic Medalist Rose Lavelle with the rest of the Seattle, OL Reign, the home team took the win against there beloved fans who stood the entire night out in the cold for them. 1-0 on the very last minute, goal by Veronica Latsko keeping Rapinoe alive as she’s decided to retire soon after.

The team didn’t partake in a press conference and it could be due to the fact that they lost but tonight , but despite it “ tonight they didn’t fight cute tonight they fought like savages with all due respect, going up against elite players one on one and and tough tackles.” Almost reaching the extra time around the corner. “  – Activecutie Magazine 

Substitutes came in at second half and whether they were at the right time or the right one it didn’t matter the team wasn’t going to get back from the 1-0 in the last couple minutes of the game, they didn’t stop fighting even after the goal  the game could have gone to extra time due to the fact that the referee allowed the game till the + almost 6 minute mark but City couldn’t finish there last shot on frame. 

The team fell short but however they left it all on the field , the team should be proud in themselves now that they were able to reach play offs after losing players in during the World Cup this year and we’re able to match up against an experienced and inspiring squad like Reign. 

They respected Rapinoe enough to the point where they were giving her a battle and taking her out of her clear state. The Reign begun to see red and potential shoot-out  they played aggressively and never gave up not for their captain. “ But I felt like once the second half started, we started to gain that momentum. It was just a matter of time – took a little bit longer than we would have liked, but eventually got it in the end.” Added Rapinoe obtaining the pass to face Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave next week. 

The team played up to the their potential and whether tonight were not the results that everybody wanted the team fought ruthlessly and made history within the teams timespan and for the NWSL in LA. 

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When Orlando Pride launched an attack led by Marta and earned a corner kick early in the second minute of the first half, OL Reign countered swiftly. Goalkeeper Ana Moorhouse fouled the home team’s forward, prompting the referee to brandish a red card without hesitation, reducing Orlando Pride to 10 players. In response, the technical director substituted Jordi Listro with Carly Nelson as the goalkeeper.

Despite being a player down, Orlando Pride continued their aggressive play in search of the afternoon’s opening goal.

Messiah was relentless in her pursuit of the ball, employing all her skills to outmaneuver OL Reign’s central defenders.

Carly Nelson made a spectacular save, denying Jessi Fishlock’s shot, which appeared to be the first goal of the afternoon. Nelson showcased exceptional performance throughout the match.

In the 23rd minute, Orlando Pride earned a corner kick, their first opportunity with 10 players on the field.

Orlando Pride demonstrated remarkable tactical discipline in the first half, effectively limiting OL Reign’s space. Despite OL Reign’s efforts to find openings, Orlando Pride’s well-coordinated defense thwarted them inside the penalty area.

The second half began on a sour note for Orlando Pride. Carly Nelson attempted a pass to her left, but Rose Lavelle intercepted it and delivered a cross to Huitema, who netted the night’s opening goal.

Marta displayed her magical skills, even attempting a direct goal from a corner kick.

The team fought until the end looking for the equalizer, They were close but they couldn’t finish. The result is not what they expected but they should walk with their head high after a great soccer battle they performed against a strong team .

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In the game’s pivotal moment, it was the forward Julie Doyle of the Orlando Pride who unleashed a powerful strike, only to see it collide with the crossbar, denying her side a potential breakthrough.

As the clock ticked to the 6th minute, a momentary lapse in focus led to a corner against the Pride. Goalkeeper Ana Moorhouse valiantly denied the impending threat with a swift save employing her feet, showcasing her reflexes in the face of adversity.

San Diego managed to break the deadlock following a well-executed corner kick. Abby Dahlkemper, positioned adeptly, unleashed a decisive strike that found the back of the net, thus inaugurating the scoring at Exploria Stadium.

Marta, a prominent figure in the match, found herself in a promising one-on-one situation with Girma. However, her resulting shot lacked the necessary power, enabling the goalkeeper to secure possession with relative ease.

An instance of pure magic materialized as Marta elegantly navigated the field, seamlessly transitioning from one side to the other. With finesse, she dispatched a pinpoint cross using her right foot, locating her reliable partner Adriana strategically positioned in the center. The ensuing expertly executed header from Adriana leveled the match, injecting a dose of exhilaration into the unfolding spectacle.

During the second half, Orlando exhibited notable control over the proceedings, fashioning a plethora of opportunities in contrast to their opponents.

The team’s Head Coach, Seb Hines, strategically marshaled a potent offensive formation comprising luminaries such as Bright, Adriana, Doyle, and the likes of Marta

In a defining moment of Orlando Pride’s dominant phase, San Diego Wave brilliantly capitalized on a corner kick, notching their second goal of the match and altering the tally to a 2-1 lead, Carusa scored her first goal with San Diego

90’+2: San Diego’s coach Casey Stoney was just shown a red card after kicking the ball away from the Pride as they were trying to throw it in.

Orlando Pride fought until the end but they could not find the second goal. The next game will be September 3rd in Seattle against OL Reign.

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Mariana Larroquette, or simply ‘Larro’ to fans, seamlessly integrated herself into the fabric of Orlando Pride. Making her official debut in the 60th minute of the match, she found the net 4 minutes later, adding to a 4-goal haul, but also contributed to a resounding 5-0 victory. 

64’ Mariana Larroquette (Mikayla Cluff) – ORL 4, CHI 0 
Mariana Larroquette marked her Pride debut with a goal after Mikayla Cluff laid the ball off to Larroquette, who cut back on her right foot and sent the shot into the side of the goal past a diving goalkeeper. Via / Orlando Pride

However, the one challenge Larro is still grappling with is the unrelenting Florida heat.

No stranger to the NWSL, Larroquette returns with a fervent hunger for retribution. Her journey, spanning stints with KC Current, European, the Mexican league, and the grandeur of the World Cup, has shaped her into a more mature player.

Orlando Pride Seb Hines mentioned this about Mariana: “Larroquette, coming in and you can see the hunger that she brings to try and score every moment. She wants to score. And like I said, they fit in really well to the group and what we expect from them.” 

For an in-depth conversation, catch Larroquette’s interview on both Instagram and YouTube

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwSwO7PRpKn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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In an enthralling match, Orlando Pride displayed a proactive approach from the outset, seeking the elusive opening goal. The forward, Ally Watt, proved to be a key offensive asset with her exceptional speed, continually sought out by her teammates. Her remarkable agility led to an opportunity when she was brought down by Gotham 21’s Ellie Jean near the corner, resulting in a free kick. 

Erika Tymrak, displaying her seasoned expertise, took the set-piece and set up Megan Montefusco for a powerful header, securing her first goal while wearing an Orlando Pride jersey.

Orlando Pride’s technical director implemented a player-to-player marking strategy when not in possession, leading to crucial interceptions and forcing multiple errors from the opposition.

In the 33rd minute, Pride’s defense Briana Martinez committed a foul on Margaret Purce inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Gotham’s right-back, Jenna, confidently converted from the spot-kick to level the score.

Ally Watt remained unstoppable throughout the game, creating spaces and leaving defenders in her wake with her speed. However, luck seemed to elude her in the crucial moments of defining plays.

In the closing moments of the first half, Briana Martínez conceded a dangerous free kick just outside the area, but Orlando Pride’s goalkeeper, Moorhouse, expertly punched the ball away, thwarting the threat.

During the second half, Orlando Pride persisted with their attacking approach, despite their continuous struggle with the offside trap.

In an unexpected turn of events, Gotham suddenly came to life, swiftly scoring two goals within three minutes, which propelled them to a 3-1 lead. McCall executed a remarkable 30-yard shot that proved impossible for the Orlando goalkeeper to save, while Hazme en extended the tally with a well-placed strike from just outside the penalty area.

In the 60th minute, the Orlando Pride’s technical director made a strategic decision, opting to substitute defender Celia Jiménez, who had been performing admirably, introducing Messiah Bright into the fray to adapt to the match’s unfolding circumstances.

As the clock ticked to the 64th minute, Lopez came on to replace McCall, and Allie Long also made way as the coaching staff sought to inject fresh energy into the squad.

Despite Orlando Pride’s continued attacking efforts, they struggled to find a breakthrough while being caught offside repeatedly. Gotham surprised their opponents with swift counterattacks, and despite Orlando’s relentless offensive display, they were unable to secure the desired victory.

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Having played two other games this week, alongside the international circumstances, the players came into the Louisville match at a disadvantage. After the match, Head Coach Laura Harvey expressed her determination to maintain the club’s winning momentum despite the current adversities, stating, “We’re going to need everybody during this period.”

The referee handled the Reign-Louisville game with a high concentration of fouls, with a total of 32 fouls (14 for Reign and 18 for Louisville) being called between the two sides. Lu Barnes said after the match, “I think it’s a tactic for Louisville to be physical.”

Momentum shuffled back and forth between the Reign and Louisville, turning this fixture into a classic end-to-end fiesta. Louisville was the first to open the scoreline with a penalty, conceded due to the arms of Jess Fishlock. Shuang Wang stepped up to take the penalty and sent Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the opposite direction.

Following the opening goal, the Reign kept pressing Louisville for the remainder of the first half. However, they found their next-best opportunity in the 65th minute when Tziarri King was denied by the post. Eventually, Paige Monaghan doubled Louisville’s lead with a top-right corner strike from a tight angle, forcing an uncharacteristic error from Tullis-Joyce at her near-post.

Jess Fishlock, who was making her return from injury, took a hard knock after the 50th minute and could not immediately get up. After staying down on the turf, Fishlock continued playing for about another ten minutes before being substituted. When asked about it, Coach Laura Harvey reassured the media that Fishlock’s substitution was merely precautionary for her fitness, as she experienced muscle tightness around that time. Harvey elaborated that while the knock was relevant to Jess’ substitution, it was not anything serious.

As the clock ticked closer to the final whistle, the Reign had the majority of the momentum. Louisville sought to steal a third goal through counter-attacking football, keeping numbers in their final third. With the match entering the final ten minutes, after attempts to find an opening, a low cross from Bennett found Veronica Latsko’s head, as she halved the deficit from close range.

One goal was all that was required to inspire the Reign. Just minutes after their first goal, a corner kick from Barnes found Nikki Stanton kindly. Stanton headed the ball deeper toward the goal, and Elyse Bennett was there to head-flick it past goalkeeper Katie Lund, breaking the hearts of Racing Louisville fans.

Daring to steal all three points, the Reign were not satisfied with just one and kept the high press active. However, despite a promising free kick, a Louisville counter-attack followed, leaving insufficient time to find a winning goal. Despite the odds being against them, the exhausted OL Reign refused to give up.

Lu Barnes explained the players’ mentality for inciting a comeback, stating, “We love the drama,” and Veronica Latsko, the goal-scorer, reinforced the mindset by mentioning that she is always up for a fight. Laura Harvey praised the substitutes, recognizing their positive effect on the game. She also credited the spark of the Reign’s comeback to their first goal, which allowed the team to play smarter afterward.

All photos courtesy of Jane Gershovich / OL Reign

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Niko Antoun

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OL Reign faced Kansas City Current on Saturday, June 10, at Lumen Field – which was set all colorful due to Pride Month. Sofia Huerta – the player of the match – helped the Seattle team take the lead during the first half, and Jordyn Huitema doubled it during the second half. However, in the end, Isabel Rodriguez reduced the score to 2-1.

The match started worryingly for Laura Harvey: in the first few minutes, Megan Rapinoe had to leave the field due to a leg injury, and Latsko was the one to join the game.

During the duel, Reign had more possession of the ball and maintained high pressure, anticipating passes and reaching the opposing area more easily.

Then, Harvey’s squad could take the lead at 35′, with Huerta converting a penalty kick, 1-0.

In Kansas’ few opportunities, the visitors found goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce focused on blocking every attempt, stopping Kizer and DiBernardo – at least in that first half.

The second half was more balanced. Even Current had Michelle Cooper’s equalizer canceled with the help of VAR, which concluded there was an offside in the play.

Nevertheless, the Bold did not slow down and reached the second goal with Huitema, at 68′, with an assist from Huerta, 2-0.

Finally, in stoppage time, Isabela scored a late goal after a meticulous cross from Mimmi Larsson, 2-1.

Harvey’s team played consistently and managed three more points in the NWSL regular season, and the next OL Reign match will be against Houston Dash, on Saturday, June 17, at 8:30 PM ET. Meanwhile, Kansas City will face the Washington Spirit on Sunday, June 18, at 7 PM ET.

Photo courtesy of OL Reign

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This was M.A.’s first goal in NWSL and although she did celebrate it individually and with her team, today’s loss felt a little void. It was a back-and-forth first half for both clubs at Audi Field on Saturday night.

Early in the 9th minute of the match, Angel City’s Vignola fell short of nailing a shot in the left side of the goal, which bounced off the side of the post, while Julie Ertz had an opportunity in the 13th minute to finish a header in the middle of the box from a Savannah McCaskill pass that just missed the upper 90 of the net.

The same was for Washington who then was able to finish one that seemed to be offside but then was declared a goal. Just 8 minutes later the Spirit used the momentum to score again in the 41’ minute as Paige Metayer launched the ball from the far right side of the field to Ashley Sanchez who was running in the box from the far right, allowing Sanchez to gain position on a header to make the score 0-2.

I saw an opening and took it,” added Vignola. “That was my goal for this game, to finally get that goal that I’ve been looking for. I saw the space and beamed it to the upper corner.”

It was a defensive battle all the way through the second half. In the 71’ minute, Haračić made another spectacular diving save after Rodman managed to dribble inside the box, almost scoring from a close-up shot on target. Angel City would then have a free-kick opportunity in the 85’, where Emslie shot the ball past the top of the goal post from right outside the middle of the box.

“We just needed to come back together. “Those points in games are where you lose a lot of focus. It was really important that we got back on the same track and work together as one unit.” And if I’m that light for the team, I wanna make sure everyone shines bright like I was today,” added Vignola,

Angel City fought hard, leading the second half in possession as well at 58.1%, but couldn’t find the equalizer to draw the game in stoppage time. The team remains hopeful and has not thrown the towel yet.

“If we’re looking at the data, it indicates a good performance from us,” stated Head Coach Freya Coombe. “We’re just lacking that final execution in both 18-yard boxes. We need to continue to drive on and push in those areas. We also do look forward to playing Alyssa Thompson and Sydney Leroux more together.“

Angel City will continue their road play on Saturday, June 17 at 1:00 pm PT against SoCal rival San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The match will be broadcast on CBS.

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OL Reign visited the San Diego Wave on Thursday, May 31, at Snapdragon Stadium and secured three points in the NWSL Challenge Cup. Ryanne Brown, Olivia Athens, and Jordyn Huitema helped the team with the winning goals.

The duel was intense during the first half – fouls and yellow cards for both teams. Even with some good tries from Wave, Reign had the best chances.

The first happened when Latsko found Stanton, who right-footed and hit the post. While the other opportunity, at 29′, resulted in a goal for the visitors. After King’s cross, Ryanne Brown was alone and sent it to the back of the net, scoring her first professional goal, 0-1.

Then, Laura Harvey’s squad controlled the midfield avoiding San Diego’s attacks, and almost managed to double the score with Latsko, but the opposing defense conceded the corner.

The teams came back with changes for the second half, and San Diego looked better – they came close to the equalizer with a DeMarco header, but keeper Dickey saved it.

From then on, Reign woke up and, at 54′, Olivia Athens took advantage of the confusion of opposing defenders in the area and scored 0-2.

Afterward, things got worse for the hostesses at 60′: Huitema, in the center of the area, left-footed and left no chances for keeper Yáñez, 0-3.

Harvey’s team showed intensity, daring, and will to win in the match, and with the three points, they currently lead Group B of the Challenge Cup.

Reign’s next game will be against the Portland Thorns on Saturday, June 3, at 8:00 PM ET, while Wave will play Gotham on Sunday, June 4, at 6:00 PM ET.

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