In an exciting game in front of 3518 people at the Cheney Stadium, the OL Reign beat Chicago Red Stars by 2x0.
Both teams were still not able to not find the rhythm of the game, when OL Reign player Shirley Cruz surprisingly unleashed a powerful shot on the edge of the box that was impossible for Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to stop the ball. It was the first minute of the game.
Bethany Balcer played a defensive role on the left side, but in the first five minutes into the game, the head coach Farid Benstiti decided to switch her to the right side for Sofia Huerta. The 24 year old forward constantly switched sides, performing an excellent job by defending, attacking and sneaking between the midfielders.
That effort was rewarded when she scored her first goal of the season (on the 18’) and second goal for the Reign. Great cross by Sofia Huerta from the right to the far post, where she found Balcer, who connected an amazing header.
However, Huerta was constantly looking for her goal. An interesting fact was that at the end of the first half, the Chicago Red Stars didn’t have a single shot on target.
Alana Cook debuted tonight with OL Reign in 2021, she demonstrated her talent on one versus one, against Chicago Red Stars’ forwards, she showed poor accuracy on long ball passes, although.
Jessica Fishlock, along with Shirley Cruz controlling the midfield. Celia Jimenez running up and down has also been a key player during the free kicks, for moments connecting great combinations with Quinn and Cruz.
Megan Rapinoe subbed in for Cruz in the 56th minute.
Within her first four minutes in the field, the best player in the world 2019, Megan Rapinoe received a through ball by Hammond, where Rapinoe controlled very well, taking advantage of the Chicago defense and crossing a ball that remained in the middle of the box, where Sofia Huerta was in front of goalkeeper Naeher and could not convert the third goal. Naeher's great save that she risked her physique to stop the goal.
In the 77th minute, a mistake by Sam Hiatt almost ended up in the first goal for Chicago Red Stars. She felt the pressure of the forward and attempt to play a pass back to the goalkeeper Bouhaddi, it was a short pass, and the ball ended up one v one opportunity, where OL Reign goalkeeper saved with her left leg.
Great footwork by Sofia Huerta. She nutmegged Chicago's defender Bianca St. George on the edge of the box, where she got knocked down by the defender. Bianca received a red card.
OL Reign got its first win of June. Congratulations to Jessica Fishlock who was chosen player of the match.
Now to think about Gotham FC. They will face them, this Saturday at 1 p.m. at home
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