Marilia Macedo provided information.
Image courtesy of Orlando Pride
The OL Reign had a sweet victory against Orlando in a game where two interim head coaches have coached in the same game in the NWSL.
What Happened
The game started even for both sides, as they had several opportunities to open the score while also forcing their opponents to make mistakes, including a moment when a miscommunication in Orlando Pride confused the goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris who picked up a back pass from a teammate. As acknowledged by Lou Barnes and Tziarra King in the press conference, there wasn’t a plan to execute regarding indirect kicks so they had to make a plan on the field.
During the first half, the hosts tried to attack with Sydney Leroux, and while defending, Ali Krieger was intercepting passes. However, Tziarra King won the ball back and assisted Jess Fishlock, who dribbled past the defender and beat the keeper with a great shot, 0-1.
After that, the Reign players were able to control the game. Fishlock, Le Sommer and King had opportunities to increase the score, but Harris denied all those opportunities with great saves. Shortly before the end of the game, Orlando scored the equalizer but Sydney Leroux was flagged offside.
In the second half, the OL Reign kept pressing high in order to win the possession, and it was a good thing to do. In the minute 51, the visitors took the ball and King scored an amazing goal, 0-2.
Ashlyn Harris definitely avoided what could have been a bigger loss, saving a penalty kick from Jess Fishlock along with several excellent saves until the final whistle.
Why the game was so sweet
It was sweet because of several reasons, and all of them involved a significant improvement regarding how the team plays compared to previous games and a couple of firsts (like the Tziarra King’s goal and Le Sommer’s assist).
They only had the opportunity to train once since the defeat in Chicago
Because of unstable weather, both Sam Laity and Lou Barnes said yesterday they were having problems regarding their preparation for this game after the flight from Chicago. The weather also caused some disruptions to the midweek game between Orlando and Philadelphia.
Confidence and improvements on the defense
Compared to previous games, the defense didn’t have too much struggle in terms of communication. As Lou Barnes highlighted, the team has been growing in confidence and mentality, keeping the momentum from previous games and improving themselves to reach full potential.
“We’re hungry, this team is hungry”
Barnes has been playing the last games as Left Back, which has been an interesting move as she constantly goes forward by playing as a winger.
On the other side, Madison Hammond (who was previously playing as LB) was moved to the right side and the outcome has been pretty satisfying according to the coach.
“When we are under more pressure she was better than she was on the first half with the ball and with the decision making”.
Tziarra King’s Golazo
It was unexpected, but expected at the same time. Her goal on the 50th minute was stunning, and according to King: “I didn’t even think it was real”. However, she also said that in the pregame warm up she tried that exact same movement about five times.
Yes Tziarra, it happened. It was real and it was amazing.
Next Game
For the next game, Reign returns home to face Racing Louisville on July 31 at 10PM ET. On the same day and at the same time, Orlando Pride will play against the North Carolina Courage.