Forward Elyse Bennett Nominated for NWSL Player of the Week
On Saturday, OL Reign split points with Racing Louisville FC in an exciting 2-2 draw. After initially going down 2-0 in the match, the Reign scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to level the score and earn a point at home to round out their undefeated three-game week. For her performance in the match, forward Elyse Bennett has been nominated for NWSL Player of the Week.
Bennett had a strong showing the entire match, playing a full 90 in the Seattle sun. The forward was tied for the most shots on goal in the match and took the most touches in the opposition’s box. She created two chances and made two crosses, also tallying 46 touches and completing 16 passes – 14 of which were in the final third.
Her consistent quality throughout the match was emphasized by her team-leading three successful dribbles, nine total duels won and six duels won in the air. She won possession of the ball three times for the Reign, once in the final third of the field. Despite playing up top, Bennett also recorded one clearance in the match.
In the 82nd minute, Bennett assisted the Reign’s first goal of the match, which fueled the eventual comeback. She beat her defender out wide to serve a ball into the box. The ball went over several defenders across the box before perfectly finding the head of fellow forward Veronica Latsko. Latsko got in front of her defender to head the ball to the back post and get OL Reign on the board.
Just five minutes later, OL Reign tied the match, much to the chagrin of Racing Louisville, who had maintained a lead for over 60 minutes. Defender and captain Lu Barnes stepped up to take a corner for the Reign and placed the ball near the penalty spot. Midfielder Nikki Stanton was charging into the box and connected with the ball, but Bennett was waiting in the six-yard box to give the ball the final push it needed to hit the back of the net. Despite having her back to goal, Bennett was able to use her head and flick the ball into the back of the net to secure the comeback draw for OL Reign.
With two goal contributions on Saturday, Bennett joins the rank of OL Reign players that have been nominated for Player of the Week this season. Vote for her HERE. The poll closes at 3:47 p.m. PT.