Credit Thorns FC
By Marilia Macedo
It was a tight game between two good teams that could have gone either way, but OL Reign came from behind and eventually won.
The first Cascadia derby of the NWSL regular season was electrifying at Providence Park and the fans could watch beautiful goals, which were all scored in the first half. In the 4th minute, Crystal Dunn crossed to the area and Bardsley tried to push the ball away from danger. However, Sinclair, on the rebound, lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper with a perfect left-foot shot to take the lead for Thorns, 1-0.
In the 9th minute, the referee called a free-kick to the visitors, and Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take it – with her right foot, she scored her first goal in the NWSL. Thorns keeper Franch tried to save it, but could not stop it from going into the back of the net, 1-1.
Five minutes later, Dani Weatherholt received a cross from Fishlock and her pass to Pruitt was blocked by the defense. Then, it went back to the OL Reign midfielder and she found Shirley Cruz, who broke the tie, 1-2.
The home team came back in the second half creating more opportunities as the visitors made a great job defensively with Kristen McNabb – the Player of the Match. One of those dangerous situations appeared when Smith broke through the area to send a curling shot, and then, Bardsley flung herself to her left to palm the ball away.
Later on, Sinclair crossed to Horan, who netted after a mesmerizing diving header. It would be not only a beautiful goal but also the equalizer. However, she was in an offside position.
In the final minutes, after a corner kick, Tziarra King attempted a header in the area to increase the score, forcing Franch to make a great save.
Finally, the game ended and OL Reign managed to take home 3 points.
On May 30, Bentiti’s squad will host the Washington Spirit at 7:00 pm ET, and the Thorns will visit Orlando to play against Pride on May 26 at 7:00 pm ET.