Javier Godoy provided information.
To forget about the latest results and get back on track, OL Reign introduced to the fans the new coach Sam Laity with a good victory to regain confidence at Cheney Stadium.
This game was special for the home team, as they played in front of 3,128 people because the stadium was allowed to operate at full capacity. Even by losing, the Reign was in no risk of going deeper than the second-to-last position given the Kansas City team was already last with 3 points. Even with that, both teams were under high pressure as they needed the points in order to improve in the standings.
Bethany Balcer needed only three minutes to surprise the visitors with an early goal.
Fast and alert, she intercepted the pass from the keeper Barnhart and sent it to the back of the net to take the lead, 1-0. Reign wanted more, and after a great play by Tziarra King and Sofia Huerta, who crossed the ball with total precision, Balcer appeared inside the area to score her second goal with a beautiful header, 2-0.
Le Sommer and King also participated with good moves and came close to scoring, but Barnhart denied it.
Sarah Bouhaddi made good efforts to keep the clean sheets. However, during the second half, she received a red card due to a dangerous foul, and her act forced the coach to substitute King for the keeper Ella Dederick. After that, the post and the defenders were able to clear the ball out of danger, avoiding what could be the first goal for the visitors.
For the next game, OL Reign will travel to Chicago to play against the Red Stars on July 18 at 6 PM ET, and Kansas City will host the North Carolina Courage on July 23, at 8 PM ET.