Match Forecast: OL Reign Rounds out Three-Game Week Against Racing Louisville FC

OL Reign returns to Lumen Field to take on Racing Louisville FC in a regular season match up today, rounding out the busy three-game week. With wins on the road against San Diego Wave FC and Portland Thorns FC, the Reign are looking to close the week out with a third win.

WHEN AND WHERE: OL Reign kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PT at Lumen Field in Seattle, WA

WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in on Paramount+ in the U.S., TSN+ in Canada or at NWSLsoccer.com abroad. Fans can get tickets to attend the match HERE.

2023 NWSL RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): OL Reign: 7-4-2 (23 points, 3rd place), Racing Louisville FC: 3-4-6 (15 points, 8th place)

Key Points Ahead of the Match:

1. LAST MEETING – OL Reign and Racing Louisville FC last met at Lynn Family Stadium in April. The game did not get off to an ideal start for OL Reign, as the team conceded two first half goals. Louisville defender Paige Monaghan put the first one in the back of the net in the 7th minute of the match, marking the earliest goal the Reign have ever conceded against Louisville. Just before halftime, midfielder Savannah DeMelo doubled the host’s lead.

However, in the second half, OL Reign mounted a comeback. Forward Megan Rapinoe converted a penalty kick for the Reign in the 69th minute of the match and shortly after, DeMelo received a second yellow card and was sent off the field. With Louisville down to 10 players on the pitch, forward Jordyn Huitema found the game-tying goal in the 90th minute of the match, marking the latest goal the Reign have scored against Racing Louisville. At the final whistle, the teams split the points in the 2-2 draw, recording the fourth draw between the two teams in six games played.

2. SCOUTING LOUISVILLE – Most recently, Racing took on the North Carolina Courage on the road and lost 1-0. Though Louisville was not outplayed the entire match, North Carolina’s Tyler Lussi scored the game-winner in the 73rd minute. Overall, Louisville has three wins, four losses and six draws on the season. Notably, the team did not play a midweek Challenge Cup match. Racing Louisville currently has four players out on international duty.

"I think we have to start quicker. I think it's been something that, when we do that, we do well. I think also the fact that we're in a three-game week and they aren't, I think also we have to start the game quickly, it's important, too. So yeah, I think obviously different type of game, different personnel, but I just always think when we start strong and quick in games, it always sets the tone for us," said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey.

"I think being on the front foot from the first whistle is definitely huge. This is our home field. We always want to make a point to make a statement that this is our home and that we protect our home, so I think the first 10 minutes of this match is going to be incredibly important. Apart from that, I think organization is huge. They're going to try and likely attack us on the counter, so if we're organized and communicative and we know the game plan going in, then I think that'll help us a lot. But we have all the ability in the world to beat any team on any given day. So, it's just coming with the right mindset and the right mentality in that it's a must win, every game is a must win," added defender Phoebe McClernon.

3.  ROUND OUT THE WEEK – OL Reign has had a trying week, first taking on San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium and earning a 2-1 win and then traveling to Portland to go head-to-head with their biggest rival, Thorns FC, and earning a 1-0 win. The Reign displayed a tremendous amount of grit and depth in both wins. To round out the busy week, OL Reign returns home to Lumen Field to play in front of their home fans.

“Honestly, we probably had to use our depth more than what we planned because of the injuries that we've had. I mean, (defender) Phoebe (McClernon), (midfielder) Angelina, (midfielder) Jess (Fishlock), (midfielder) Rose (Lavelle), (forward Megan Rapinoe) Pinoe have missed significant amounts of the games, in both Challenge Cup and regular season. So, we've had to already do that. It has exposed the players that we were preparing for this time earlier, so hopefully they're even more prepared for this period, which I think is going to be really important for us,” said Harvey.

"It definitely is an opportune time of the season to come in. To be able to get game minutes while I'm coming back from an injury is huge, it's almost of unparalleled importance. It's so important to be able to find that comfortability back again on a game field as opposed to just a practice field. I think our depth is amazing. I think that we have so many young players who are stepping up in a such a big way right now. I think (defender) Alyssa Malonson had one of the best games I've seen her have since she's been with the Reign, this past game. I'm just so impressed with everybody, I think that we have a lot of grit on this team, we have a lot of will to win and everybody that is here right now recognizes the opportunity that's in front of them and are being very eager to take that opportunity and it shows,” said McClernon

MultiCare Availability Report:

OUT

None

QUESTIONABLE

None

INTERNATIONAL

Angelina (BRA)

Jordyn Huitema (CAN)

Quinn (CAN)

Alana Cook (USA)

Sofia Huerta (USA)

Rose Lavelle (USA)

Megan Rapinoe (USA)

Emily Sonnett (USA)