By Marilia Macedo
Clinched: great match, fantastic goals, and playoffs in sight!
The team coached by Laura Harvey came from behind to win this Sunday at Cheney Stadium against the Chicago Red Stars. The talented Jessica Fishlock scored twice – which prompted a standing ovation -, Lavelle got the third and helped the team to reach three big points.
Five minutes after the beginning, all the players came to the midfield, side by side, as a protest against the recent allegations of the harassment scandal involving the former North Carolina Courage coach, Paul Riley.
Later on, in the 14th minute, Mallory Pugh right-footed and, unluckily for the keeper Sarah Bouhaddi, the ball deflected on the defender and went to the back of the net, 0-1.
However, the home team woke up in the 31′, when Jess Fishlock came out of nowhere and attempted a delightful shot, tying the game 1-1.
Four minutes later, Sofia Huerta crossed the ball, and Fishlock scored once more – this time with a beautiful header to finally take the lead, 2-1.
Although the Red Stars tried to find the equalizer with Pugh during the second half, a bolder Reign appeared to increase the scoreboard – and they did it. Next to a promising move by Bethany Balcer, Huerta found Rose Lavelle, who brilliantly left-footed and made it 3-1.
Then, the match became even, and Tatumn Milazzo got the second goal for the visitors and left no chance for Bouhaddi, 3-2. In the end, it was not enough to reach at least a draw, and with no more time for beautiful strikes, the final whistle announced a spot for OL Reign in the playoffs of the NWSL.
For the next game, the fans can wait for a heated encounter in the Cascadia Derby against Thorns and Reign, which will take place on Wednesday, October 13th, at 7:30 p.m. PT. On the same day, the Red Stars will face the Pride at 8 p.m. ET.