Snapshots: OL Reign vs. Utah Royals FC

OL Reign defeated Utah Royals FC 1-0 on Wednesday, July 8, thanks to a late goal from forward Bethany Balcer. The goal, served in by Nicole Momiki, gave the club something to celebrate with one match left to play in the preliminary round of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

The match was also goalkeeper Michelle Betos’ first appearance for the club since recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon that prematurely ended her 2019 season. The keeper made five saves in the win, helping the club keep its second clean sheet of the tournament.

Here are some of the day’s best shots

OL Reign players (from left: Jasmyne Spencer, Shirley Cruz, Jodie Taylor, and Amber Brooks) arrive at Zions Bank Stadium.

OL Reign players (from left: Dani Weatherholt, Celia Jiménez Delgado, Darian Jenkins, Jodie Taylor, Alana Cook, Amber Brooks, Michelle Betos, and Steph Cox) kneel for the national anthem.

OL Reign’s starting 11 for the Wednesday, July 8 match against Utah Royals FC. (Upper row, from left: Alana Cook, Darian Jenkins, Michelle Betos, Celia Jiménez Delgado, Kristen McNabb, Dani Weatherholt – Lower row, from left: Jodie Taylor, Shirley Cruz, Amber Brooks, Jasmyne Spencer, and Steph Cox).

OL Reign players in the huddle before the start of the match.

OL Reign goalkeeper Michelle Betos, making her first start after recovering from an injury from May, 2019. The keeper made five saves in the shutout victory.

OL Reign defender Celia Jiménez Delgado challenging Utah’s Mallory Weber for the ball.

OL Reign midfielder Dani Weatherholt tackles the ball away from Utah’s Lo’eau LaBonta

OL Reign goalkeeper Michelle Betos is fouled by Utah’s Taylor Leach while contesting a free kick.

OL Reign midfielder Dani Weatherholt made her first start and second appearance for the club in the win over Utah.

OL Reign forward Bethany Balcer (left) celebrates with teammate Nicole Momiki (center) after scoring the game winning goal in second half stoppage time.

OL Reign forward Nicole Momiki (left) celebrates with teammate Bethany Balcer (center) after Balcer’s goal.

OL Reign forward Nicole Momiki is hoisted by teammates in celebration after the end of the match.