OL Reign Players Stand Out on International Duty

OL Reign players away on national team duty had a strong showing during the FIFA international window. OL Reign’s Nicole Momiki, Megan Rapinoe, and Jess Fishlock each scored goals for Japan, the United States, and Wales, respectively. 

In Japan’s 7-0 win over Paraguay, Momiki subbed on for Nanami Kitamura in the 67th minute. In the 92nd minute of action, Momiki calmly directed a shot on target, beating the Paraguay defense and goalkeeper for Japan’s sixth goal of the match. In Japan’s second game against Panama, Momiki scored in the 45th minute, when she was well positioned to direct a ball that rebounded off the post into the back on the net. Japan secured their second win in the international window, beating Panama 7-0. 

Megan Rapinoe appeared in both matches for the United States, scoring a goal each game. In the United States’ first match against Sweden, Rapinoe scored the tying goal in the 87th minute from the penalty spot. The match ended with the United States securing a 1-1 draw with Sweden. In the United States’ second match, Rapinoe stepped up to a penalty kick again, opening the scoring for the U.S. and scoring in her fourth consecutive match. The U.S. went on to beat France 2-0. 

Jess Fishlock played in two games for Wales, scoring a goal in the second match against Denmark. Her goal came in the 60th minute, when she drove a volley into the back of the net, securing a 1-1 tie for Wales. Immediately following the match Fishlock headed to Tacoma, where she will rejoin OL Reign after a loan spell with Reading. 

Quinn played in both matches for Canada, bagging an assist in their 3-0 win over Wales. 

Karen Bardsley made an appearance in England’s second match in the FIFA window against Canada, subbing in at halftime. England lost to Canada 0-2.  

OL Reign returns to play this Friday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. PT, when they face off against the Houston Dash at Cheney Stadium in their first match of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.