International Recap: Seven OL Reign Players Appear for National Teams

Brazil vs. India

In their first game over the November FIFA window, Brazil beat India 6-1 in Manaus. OL Reign midfielder Angelina started the match.

The Brazilian Women's Team got a quick start in the match, scoring in the first minute at Arena da Amazônia. Debinha got on the end of a long throw and beat India’s defense to score Brazil’s first goal of the match. The lead was short lived though, as India equalized minutes later, thanks to a finish from Manisha.

This did not discourage Brazil though, as the team nearly found a second several times before finding the back of the net in the 36th minute; Ary crossed the ball into Giovana, who found the left corner of the net. Brazil went into halftime up 2-1 against India.

Yet again, Brazil started the half with energy, scoring just six minutes into the second half. Debinha passed the into Ary Borges, who used her footwork to put the ball in the back of the net. Just two minutes later, Kerolin scored a fourth goal for Brazil with a powerful shot.

Brazil continued to press on and scored a fifth in the 75th minute of the match when Geyse took advantage of a cross. The final goal of the match was scored by Ary Borges, who followed up a shot from Formiga. Brazil walked away with a 6-1 win in their first of three matches this FIFA window. The game also marked the last appearance for Brazilian midfielder Formiga, who had a legendary career.

Wales vs. Greece

Wales continued their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying unbeaten streak with a 5-0 victory over Greece at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, Wales. OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock started the match and earned two assists.

Sophie Ingle opened the scoring for Wales inside the first ten minutes on a Jess Fishlock assist and Wales only gained momentum from there. Kayleigh Green soon added a second goal for Wales and Ceri Holland netted the first of her brace before the half-time whistle.

At the start of the second half, Wales continued to dominate. Holland scored Wales’ fourth goal of the match and her second, a wonderful strike assisted by Fishlock. The fifth and final goal of the match came from Natasha Harding, who headed the ball into the back of the net.

Australia vs. USA

OL Reign had four players make an appearance in the United States’ 3-0 win over Australia. Defender Alana Cook and midfielder Rose Lavelle started the game while defender Sofia Huerta and forward Bethany Balcer subbed in in the second half.

The United States started the game applying heavy pressure to Australia, which resulted in a first minute goal from Ashley Hatch. Hatch took advantage of some sloppy play across the Australian backline and found the back of the net to give the U.S. an early advantage.

Australia dominated possession, taking 62% throughout the match compared to the United States’ 38%. The Matildas also took two more shots on target than the United States for a total of eight. Despite having less possession and shots, the United States held onto the 1-0 lead through the first half.

The U.S. came out after halftime and scored a second goal after just four minutes of playing. Huerta intercepted an attempted switch from Australia and kickstarted the American attack. Margaret Purce beat the defense to put a cross into the box and Lavelle was on the end to double the United States’ lead. The last U.S. goal was scored in the 68th minute by Lindsey Horan from the penalty spot. In the 78th minute, Balcer made her USWNT debut when she subbed in for Purce.

Mexico vs. Canada

Mexico beat Canada 2-1 this morning in Mexico. OL Reign defender Jimena Lopez was available as a sub but did not feature in the match. OL Reign midfielder Quinn subbed into the match in the second half.

The first goal of game was scored in the 19th minute by Mexican forward Stephany Mayor. Canada conceded a penalty kick and Mayor confidently stepped up to take the lead for Mexico. The penalty kick was the lone goal in the first half.

After the halftime break, Mexico scored first, this time in the 76th minute. Substitute Alicia Cervantes beat Canada in their own half to double Mexico’s lead. Mexico only had 38% of possession throughout the match but remained on top.

Canada found a goal of their own in the 86th minute, thanks to Jordyn Huitema, but it wasn’t enough to surmount a comeback at the end of the game.