By Marilia Macedo
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.