After a good draw (0-0 against North Carolina Courage) then a convincing success (1-2 in Portland), OL Reign had an appointment at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, on the night of Sunday to Monday. On the program: the reception of the Washington Spirit, 4 points and one more meeting on the clock.
An opponent not trivial to celebrate the first tenure of Rose Lavelle. Sensation of the 2019 World Cup in France, the American midfielder was aligned for the very first time by Farid Benstiti against his former team. A reinforcement of choice while waiting for those of Lyonnaises Sarah Bouhaddi, Eugénie Le Sommer and Jennifer Marozsa.
Fire in the legs, the new face of the team would quickly demonstrate its percussion qualities. Number 16 in the back, she picked up the ball from her camp and shrewdly tossed King, offside for a few inches. Megan Rapinoe was trying on a powerful shot coiled from outside the area – the reissue of a gesture that has already almost hit the mark in Portland – but Bledsoe was attentive (37th). Karen Bardsley, the goalkeeper of OL Reign, had meanwhile well interposed on a powerful attempt by Ashley Hatch (15th).
What freeze the score until half-time, despite the insistence of the local team on the goal of his guests, and an overwhelming possession of the ball.
The Spirit even cleared the score at the start of the second period. A corner shot towards the far post and deflected into his own camp by the unfortunate Megan Rapinoe (53rd).
What to give wings to Washington which in turn held the leather. Dorian Bailey smashed him against the crossbar with a heavy shot (72nd). Ashley Sanchez, scorer in the previous match against Houston, headed point blank (83rd). Karen Bardsley, injured on the clearance that followed this beautiful parade, was forced to give up her place for the last minutes of the meeting.
Her teammates may have tried in vain, and finally post a possession of nearly 60% over the entire game, they will never be able to catch up again.
The American franchise of Olympique Lyonnais concedes its first defeat of the season. His next meeting will send him to Red Bull Arena, on the outskirts of New York, on the grounds of Gotham FC. The kickoff will sound there in the night from Sunday to Monday, at 1 a.m. (French time).
OL Reign : Bardsley (Dederick, 86e) – Hammond, Brooks, McNabb, Barnes – Cruz (Angelina, 75e), Fishlock, Lavelle (Weatherholt, 64e) – Huerta, King (Pruitt, 63e), Rapinoe (Balcer, 75e)
Washington Spirit : Bledsoe, Huster, Sonnett, Staab, O’Hara – Jacobs, Roddar (Bailey, 58e) – Yokohama (Rodman, 46e), Sanchez, McKeown – Hatch (Heilferty, 67e)
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