Match Recap: OL Reign Opens 2022 with a Draw Against Portland

OL Reign drew 1-1 to the Portland Thorns in its first match of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup in front of 7,343 fans. This was the team’s first match of their tenth campaign, as well as their first match since moving to Lumen Field.

The game was evenly matched to start, with both teams looking to gain possession and take control of the match. Each side saw chances on goal, with forward Veronica Latsko coming close for OL Reign and midfielder Hina Sugita firing in a shot for Portland that was ultimately saved by goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who earned her first NWSL start tonight.

In the 19th minute, OL Reign took the lead. The team worked the ball down the left side of the field past Portland’s defense before midfielder Angelina laid the ball off to defender Sofia Huerta, who fired a beautiful shot into the back of the net.

OL Reign maintained the lead until the 28th minute, when Portland found an equalizer. Forward Sophia Smith sent a shot on frame and Tullis-Joyce came up big to make a save, but forward Christine Sinclair was there to follow up on the rebound and level the score.

The teams continued to battle through the rest of the first half, but the score remained even as the teams headed to the locker room for the break.

In the second half, tempers picked up a bit and the game became more physical. Portland had a few chances throughout the half, but OL Reign’s defense kept them out of the net. In the final minutes of the match, OL Reign began to apply intense pressure to the Thorns, playing with a newfound sense of urgency.

Despite the offensive press, OL Reign was unable to find a game winner before the final whistle sounded.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

·       OL Reign’s attendance of 7,343 fans exceeded last season record at Cheney Stadium (5,273)

·       This was OL Reign’s fourth largest crowd in team history.

·       This 1-1 draw puts OL Reign and Portland Thorns tied for first in the West Division of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Angel City and San Diego face off tomorrow

MATCH SUMMARY

OL Reign (0-0-1, 1pt) vs. Portland Thorns FC (0-0-1, 1pt)

NWSL Challenge Cup

March 18, 2022 – Lumen Field (Seattle, Wash.)

Scoring Summary:

RGN: 19’- Huerta (Angelina)

POR: 28’- Sinclair

Discipline:

RGN: Cook (caution), 15

POR: Kuikka (caution), 25

RGN: Barnes (caution), 66

RGN: Lavelle (caution), 83

RGN: Watt (caution), 89

POR: Sugita (caution), 90+1

Lineups:

RGN: GK Tullis-Joyce, D Huerta, D Cook, D Hiatt, D Barnes ©, M Quinn, M Angelia (Lavelle, 75), M Fishlock, F Latsko, F Balcer, F King (Watt, 63)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Ivory, D McClernon, D Miramontez, D Lopez, M Stanton, M Van Der Jagt, M Athens

TOTAL SHOTS: 8 (Huerta, 3)

SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Huerta, 2)

FOULS: 11 (Four players tied, 2)

OFFSIDES: 1

CORNER KICKS: 6

SAVES: 2

POR: GK Bixby, D Hubly, D Menges, D Nally, M Kuikka, M Coffey, M Klingenberg, M Ryan (Moultrie, 65), M Sugita, F S. Smith (Everett, 87), F Sinclair © (Weaver, 73)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Hogan, GK A. Smith, D Provenzano, M Beckman, M Porter, F Betfort

TOTAL SHOTS: 8 (Smith, 4)

SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Three players tied, 1)

FOULS: 9 (Klingenberg, Sugita, 2)

OFFSIDES: 2

CORNER KICKS: 1

SAVES: 2

Referee: Kevin Broadley

Assistant Referees: Jennifer Garner, Katarzyna Wasiak

4th Official: Adorae Monroy

Attendance: 7,343