International Recap: October FIFA Window
OL Reign had eight players out on international duty during the October FIFA window:
Canada – Jordyn Huitema and Quinn
In the first of two international matches in October, Canada took on Argentina on Thursday. OL Reign forward Jordyn Huitema started the match and played the entire first half, while OL Reign midfielder Quinn subbed in at halftime and played the entire second half. The first half of the match went scoreless, but Canada found a breakthrough in the second half. Evelyne Viens took a shot in the 68th minute, which forced an own goal from Argentina. In the 87th minute, Canada added a security goal. The goal, which sealed the 2-0 win, was Cloé Lacasse’s first international goal
Canada played again on Monday, this time against Morocco. Quinn played the first half of the match and Huitema was available on the bench but did not make an appearance. Canada earned another solid win, scoring four goals throughout the match and earning a shutout. The lone first-half goal was scored by Jessie Fleming. Canada added three goals in the second half, thanks to Evelyne Viens, Janine Beckie and first-time international goal scorer Clarissa Larisey.
Mexico – Jimena López
Mexico and Chile faced off in Mexico’s only match in October, resulting in a 1-1 draw. OL Reign defender Jimena López was available on the bench for Mexico but did not appear in the match. Chile scored first, in the 34th minute of the match. Mexico trailed through the rest of the first half but came out in the second half and found an equalizer in the 58th minute, scored by Diana Ordoñez. In stoppage time of the match, Mexico defender Jocelyn Orejel was sent off the field, but Mexico defended well with 10 players on the field through the rest of stoppage time to secure the 1-1 draw.
USWNT – Alana Cook, Sofia Huerta, Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe
The United States started their international break with a highly anticipated match against England. All four of OL Reign’s players with the team – defenders Alana Cook and Sofia Huerta, midfielder Rose Lavelle and forward Megan Rapinoe – started the match. Cook and Lavelle played the entire match, while Huerta was subbed out in the 63rd minute and Rapinoe was subbed out in the 83rd minute. England struck first, just ten minutes into the match, but held the lead for less than 20 minutes, as forward Sophia Smith equalized for the United States in the 28th minute. Just five minutes later, England retook the lead after VAR rewarded the lionesses with a penalty kick. A few minutes later, it looked like the United States had pulled level once again, but the goal scored by forward Trinity Rodman was ruled offside and disallowed. The 2-1 score line held through the rest of the match, resulting in a narrow defeat for the United States.
The United States played again, this time against Spain. The aggressive match got off to a fast-paced start, but the United States conceded first once again. Spain’s opening goal was scored in the 39th minute after a corner kick resulted in chaos inside the United States 18-yard box and a goal for Spain. Spain doubled their lead in the second half, with a goal in the 72nd minute. The United States could not find a goal back before the final whistle, falling 2-0 to end their international break.
Wales – Jess Fishlock
OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock started and played 115 minutes Wales match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In front of a record crowd of 15,200 at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales battled hard to advance to the next match. The team had a staggering four goals called back for offside and hit the post, ultimately drawing 0-0 in regulation. The match went to extra time, where Fishlock became the difference maker of the match. In stoppage time of the first half of extra time, she got on the end of the free kick, perfectly placing a volley into the back of the net to give Wales the lead. The team showed true determination and heart as they defended against Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure the win and their place again Switzerland in the final round of playoffs for a play in the World Cup.
Wales took on Switzerland days later, looking to earn their place in the 2023 World Cup. The match started with Wales taking the lead through Rhiannon Roberts in the 20th minute of the match. Switzerland spent the rest of the first half chasing an equalizer and finally found it in the 45th minute. In the second half, Switzerland controlled the match, but Wales did well to defend. VAR awarded Switzerland a penalty kick, but they failed to convert, keeping hope alive for Wales. After 90 minutes, the match was still tied up 1-1, so it went to extra time. Having played 120 minutes just days before, Wales players were on tired legs, but that did not stop them from battling for the match. Just as it looked like the game would be decided by penalty kicks, Switzerland scored the game winner to advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.