Match Recap: OL Reign Secures Dominant Victory Over Chicago

Written By OL Reign

OL Reign got back on track with a dominant 2-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars at Cheney Stadium on Tuesday evening. OL Reign was back at home for the first time since May 30, in front of a crowd of 2,518 for the intense battle. 

OL Reign came to play, starting the game with a first minute goal from Shirley Cruz. Cruz half-volleyed a loose ball into the back of net from the top of the 18-yard box to give OL Reign the early lead, just 55 seconds into the match. The team continued to apply pressure to the Red Stars, eventually finding a second goal in the 18th minute. Sofia Huerta put a cross into the box and Bethany Balcer got her head on the end of it, doubling OL Reign’s lead. 

The Reign had 64.7% of possession in the first half and outshot Chicago seven to three. They also put in eight crosses compared to Chicago’s two. OL Reign controlled the half until the whistle and headed to the locker up 2-0 on Chicago. 

The second half maintained the fast pace of the first half with OL Reign commanding 62.1% of possession, but OL Reign goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi was called on to collect the ball a few times throughout the half. A flurry of subs from OL Reign, including Megan Rapinoe and Eugénie Le Sommer, who debuted for OL Reign, raised the tempo of the game. Though OL Reign were searching for a third, they were unable to find it. 

In the final minutes of the match, Chicago Red Stars defender Bianca St. Georges was issued a second yellow card for a challenge on Sofia Huerta just outside the box and was sent off. Chicago played down a player for one minute before the final whistle sounded and OL Reign broke their three-game losing streak with a decisive 2-0 win. This win moved OL Reign to eighth place in the standings. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Shirley Cruz’s goal in the 55th second of the match is the seventh fastest goal scored in the NWSL Regular Season and fastest ever OL Reign goal 

  • Eugénie Le Sommer, on loan from Olympique Lyonnais, debuted for OL Reign 

  • This is OL Reign’s first win of the season by more than one goal 

  • OL Reign earned its second shutout of the season with this 2-0 win 

  • OL Reign plays its next match this Saturday, June 26 at 1:00 p.m. PT against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Cheney Stadium. This match is the annual Pride Match. Get tickets here 

  • Sarah Bouhaddi earned her first shutout for OL Reign

OL Reign http://www.olreign.com
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