Credit OLReign
By Marilia Macedo
Megan Rapinoe was credited with an own goal that sealed the visitor’s victory.
OL Reign received Washington Spirit at Cheney Stadium to the third match of the NWSL regular season. The match marked the debut of Rose Lavelle and the home team’s first loss.
Farid Benstiti’s squad made a good first half, maintaining possession of the ball and trying to land the keeper Aubrey Bledsoe in a tight spot. Rose Lavelle, in her first match wearing the Reign’s jersey, was completely active, dribbling the opponents and creating opportunities.
In one of those chances, Lavelle was ready to get the visitors – fans and players – worried. After receiving a pass from Megan Rapinoe, she ran to break the rivals’ defensive line and, at the end of the play, assisted Tziarra King, who scored what would be the first goal of the match, if she was not in an offside position.
Later on, Rapinoe went close with her right foot and Bledsoe managed to deflect it out for a corner kick with an amazing dive.
Both keepers made great efforts to keep the game tied until half-time.
The second half was more even than the first one, with the Spirit searching for a better way to get the goal, and it appeared shortly after the restart. After a corner kick that Karen Bardsley was not able to reach and take out of danger, the ball hit Rapinoe and went to the back of the net, 0-1.
Before being replaced by Ella Dederick due to a leg injury, Bardsley made two difficult saves – the first one, after a great shot from Dorian Bailey hit the underside of the crossbar, and the second – when Sanchez jumped high for a perfect header.
The home team tried to find the equalizer with Angelina and Leah Pruitt. However, the game ended and Richie Burke’s team secured the three points.
OL Reign will travel to play against NY/NJ Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on June 5 at 7:00 pm ET.
Washington Spirit will duel against Orlando Pride at Audi Field on June 6, at 2:00 pm ET.