Seattle, WA – The OL Reign defeated Angel City FC courtesy of midfielder Olivia Van Der Jagt’s header goal in the 94th minute. The Reign scored first with a Bethany Bacler strike in the 33rd minute, but Angel City’s Simone Charley was able to equalize in the 81st. All even heading into the last minute of extra time, Reign defender Lauren Barnes whipped in a cross to the box that found Van Der Jagt, who’s header looped just enough out of Angel City’s Didi Haracic to score. With the win, the Reign remain undefeated in the 2022 Challenge with one game left to play in the group stage.
Former Reign player Jas Spencer and Veronica Latsko go for a ball
Not their best soccer
As said by forward Bethany Balcer in the postgame press conference, the Reign did not seem to be playing at their best in this match. Balcer’s goal was a beautiful build up with Quinn finding Ally Watt, who’s pass set up Balcer perfect for her rocket of a shot. After that, the Reign weren’t necessarily able to get many dangerous chances on DiDi Haracic in net for Angel City. Playing their second game in four days, the Reign seemed a little bit gassed and out of sorts. Without players like Angelina and Rose Lavelle, and other players like Jess Fishlock still recovering from international play, the Reign looked like they were playing in a lower gear. A defensive substitution in the 76th minute wouldn’t be able to prevent Simone Charley, who was able to score a header off of an Angel City corner. The game looked like it was headed for a draw, until the final minute of extra time.
Angel City celebrates Simone Charley's 81st minute goal
Stepping up in a big way
Olivia Van Der Jagt’s story has been incredible up to her being drafted by the Reign, let alone her past four days. The Kent native played the most games in a career at Washington, and was an integral part of the team for five years. As I learned in my interview with Olo back in February, Van Der Jagt didn’t even really know if she was going to enter the 2022 NWSL draft at all. Van Der Jagt joined a Reign team, fresh off of earning the second seed in the NWSL, in a midfield group full of talent and experience. She impressed in the preseason matches, earning a contract that was announced right before the first home match at Lumen field against the Portland Thorns to begin the Challenge Cup. In her two starts, she has recorded an assist and a goal. Van Der Jagt wasn’t even supposed to start in this match, but Rose Lavelle was ruled out with an illness late, and we know what happened next.
The Reign have secured a spot in the 2022 Challenge Cup Semifinals. The major issue with this is that the semifinals match is to be played on May 4th, the same day that the Sounders will host the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League Final that day at 7PM PST.
The Reign’s next contest, the final match of this year's Challenge Cup will be in San Diego against the Wave. Played at Torero Stadium, that match will begin at 7PM PST and will be broadcast on Paramount +.
Thanks to Melissa Levin for the incredible photos used in this article! Thank you Melissa!
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