Match Forecast: OL Reign Set to Begin 2023 UKG Challenge Cup Against Angel City FC

OL Reign is set to kick off its 2023 UKG Challenge Cup campaign tonight against Angel City FC. On the road for the third time since the start of the regular season, the Reign’s depth will be tested against their west coast foe.

WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, April 19 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California 

WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be available on CBS Sports Network or join our watch party at Rough & Tumble Pub in Ballard!

2023 UKG CHALLENGE CUP RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): OL Reign: 0-0-0 (0 points), Angel City FC 0-0-0 (0 points)

Key Points Ahead of the Match:

1. LAST MEETING – Most recently, the teams met in a regular season match on July 30, 2022, in Los Angeles. The Reign was down 2-0 going into halftime but pulled of a stunning comeback win, thanks to goals from midfielder Jess Fishlock, defender Sofia Huerta and forward Tobin Heath in the 54th, 64th and 89th minutes. That win marked OL Reign’s fourth win in four matches played against Angel City FC.

2. SCOUTING ANGEL CITY FC – In the regular season, Angel City has played three matches, earning one win, one draw and one loss. Last weekend, ACFC took on Racing Louisville FC and earned a 2-2 come-from-behind draw. Angel City went into halftime down 2-0 but scored two goals in the second half to level the score. Forward Katie Johnson scored the first goal in the 68th minute and midfielder Savannah McCaskill sealed the point for Angel City FC with her 87th minute equalizer.

“Honestly, I think for everybody in the league, the Challenge Cup has to be something that you utilize in the way that you need to for your club and I think that they are in a position where, obviously they’ve had some big injuries already this year, so I’m sure we may see other players on their team as well at some point,” said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey.

“I just think you have to look at it differently. I don’t think it’s sustainable for everyone to use the Challenge Cup as same old, same old. It’s just not sustainable, so I think you have to utilize it the best you can and everyone is going to do that for whatever they need. I think Angel City is a team that like to play, they’ve pressed higher this year, made that difficult. So yeah, I think it will be a good game. I think both teams like to play football, so that’s always enjoyable.”

3.  QUICK TURNAROUND – This is the first three-game week for OL Reign this season. The team was in Seattle at Lumen Field on Saturday night, where they picked up a 1-0 win against San Diego Wave FC. Now, the team is on the road in Los Angeles, set to take on Angel City FC, before immediately heading back to Seattle to play the Chicago Red Stars at Lumen Field on Saturday. Because of this packed schedule, it’s likely that both teams will rotate their lineups and rely on the depth of their rosters for this match.

“I think it’s us sticking to what we know; we understand the general movements and strategies that their midfield is going to give us and that their team is going to give us. I think, although potential for personnel changes, it’s going to be a little bit different but overall, I think we are preparing for the same opponent regardless of who is in their midfield lineup. I think we are ready and we’re really excited to kick off the Challenge Cup against Angel City,” said OL Reign midfielder Quinn.

MultiCare Availability Report:

OUT

Angelina (SEI - knee)

Rose Lavelle (leg)

Phoebe McClernon (back)

QUESTIONABLE

Bethany Balcer (hamstring)

Sam Hiatt (leg)

Olivia Van der Jagt (hip)