Credit Lauren Stefl
By Marilia Macedo
Benstiti’s squad came from behind to win against KC (1-2).
Both teams made a very interesting match at the Legends Field, it was a close game and the teams played well. The visitors had possession during the 90 minutes that helped to create more opportunities to go home with the three points in the last game of the Challenge Cup before the regular season.
However, the game started better for Kansas City: the first goal came with Mallory Weber after a good pass by Pickett, she opened the score with a perfect shot into the top corner of the goal, 1-0.
The local team was tightening the marking and turning the game difficult for OL Reign. Even so, they started to create good opportunities – Cruz received a long cross and headed to the goal, but the goalkeeper was able to palm the ball away for a corner kick.
Later on, in minute 31, Tziarra King was brought down in the area and the referee awarded a penalty kick for the visitors. Jess Fishlock stepped up for it and converted the penalty with a right-footed shot to the bottom corner of the net, 1-1.
In the second half, OL Reign had the most chances with Fishlock and Balcer, but Barnhart saved the most of the attempts. After a corner kick, Pruitt almost scored with her back heel, and the goalkeeper could only watch the ball hitting the crossbar.
Kansas City tried to break the defensive lines with Michele Vasconcelos and Rodriguez, but the defenders Hammond and McNabb made it difficult.
Finally, it was in the final minutes that the winning goal was scored by Celia Jiménez – she received a cross after a corner kick and headed it to the goal, 1-2.