In their second home match of the season at Cheney stadium in the NWSL regular season, the Reign looked like two different teams in the first and second halves. The Reign looked energized and ready to put balls in nets in the first half, and simply looked outmatched and outplayed in the second. It was not a game that we should view as a complete negative, as there were positives to take from this game. Let us take a look at the Reign vs Spirit match.
Got that Rose-y feeling: It was not sure what sort of role Rose Lavelle, the Bronze ball winner from the 2019 women's world cup, would have after joining the team on the 26th to begin training with them. Rose had stated that she would play in whatever capacity that the team asked her, whether it was starting, coming off the bench, etc. She would make her debut as a starter, wearing the #16 for the home side in this match. This announcement was greeted by a loud roar from the Cheney crowd, as seen in the video below. She joined Jess Fishlock and Shirley Cruz in the midfield. There will be notes on Lavelle's play here, but first we have to get through the pre-game things to note.
Pre-game notes and pointers: Steph Cox, Bethany Balcer, and Leah Pruitt (two of those 3 women being CSS interview alums) all coming off the bench this match, key substitutions to use. The Reign band, the "Reign City riot," were present for the first time this season, and the game was at full attendance for the capacity that was allowed in Tacoma. The Spirit came into this match having not won in their last contests, going WLDDL in the previous 5 matches. Almost all personnel, staff and players, on the Reign side knelt for the national anthem, while the Spirit side stood. Right before the match, all players on the pitch did kneel and take time to do so.
Reign start the first half off strong: The Spirit would get the first real shot of the game off in the direction of Reign keeper Karen Bardsley at the 1:55 mark, but the home front would dominate the first half in chances and energy. This energy came mostly from the effort and hustle from Rose Lavelle and Tziarra King, who often were chasing on-ball and putting pressure on, forcing potential opportunities for their club. At the 16:26 mark, Lavelle would pass to Rapinoe, who then hit King for a "goal" that would be called back. The team was not able to convert these chances though, with most to all of their crosses sailing over the goal and just generally being offline. Megan Rapinoe had a few free kick chances in the opening half but she was not able to fire it into the net or to a teammate to put a goal away. Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley made multiple saves for the Reign throughout this half, her and Aubrey Bledsoe for Washington had a keeper battle going early. Credit goes to the Spirit backline for holding strong against the Reign's repeated attacks and counterattacks.
Halftime thoughts: I was more than impressed with Rose Lavelle in her debut half due to the effort that she showed, her footwork, and just overall stepping into this new situation in her debut with a solid performance. Tziarra King should great effort and speed, after showing up with another great pre-game fit. Megan Rapinoe also showed great hustle, but was not able to put away a good set piece. Jess Fishlock, who going into this game lead the Reign with 5 shots, and Sofia Huerta had not been able to connect with teammates on their crosses. The home club was looking to convert one of the chances that they were creating going into the second half. For Washington, they had done a great job holding the Reign at bay. They had not put a ton of pressure of Karen Bardsley, so naturally that is something that was a focal point coming out of the locker room from the break.
Spirit put a goal in, dominate second half: Early on in the second half, the Spirit drove a counter attack that would set the tone for this set of 45 minutes. They would apply pressure to Bardsley, with crosses and corner kicks, getting a header from Sam Staab in the 51st minute to go in off of Megan Rapinoe for an own goal. Two minutes later in the 53rd minute, the Spirit would bring the ball down again and got a shot off on Bardsley. 10 minutes into the second half, you could really begin to see the total energy and momentum flip from the Reign to their opposing visitors. Rose Lavelle would get subbed off in the 63rd minute, as well as King. Dani Weatherholt and Leah Pruitt would come on looking to add spark. Angelina and Bethany Balcer would be subbed on in the 74th for Rapinoe and Shirley Cruz, and Angelina got a shot off in the 76th but was unsuccessful. Reign keeper Karen Bardsley would get knocked down after a Spirit corner and clearance, and would stay down. Ella Dederick, Washington State university alum would come in to replace her. Bardsley had to be helped off. Amber Brooks would be given a yellow card in the 87th minute. In the 6 minutes of extra time, the Reign faithful would not be pleased with the officiating calls and non-calls, and would voice their displeasure. The Spirit were able to effectively waste time at the end of the game, and take 3 points home with them from Cheney Stadium, with your final score of Reign 0, Spirit 1.
Post game reflections
OL Reign: After they came out with high energy and effort in the first half, this team seemingly did the opposite in the second half and seemed far slower and less urgent than their opponent. They were not able to get a clean look in the second half and really never made Bledsoe sweat in minutes 45-90 + extra time. Rose Lavelle left a big impression with her play making and hustle and should be a huge factor for this team in playmaking and assisting in the attack. The 26-year old had a great debut, the only things missing were a goal and a win. This game felt similar to some of the challenge cup matches they had, with good opportunities but no goal(s) to show for it.
Washington Spirit: This team came out flat offensively in the first half, then woke up and roared back in the second to put a goal away and beat the Reign on their home pitch. They were able to get chances, hold the ball and kill clock, and have their way. They did their job despite the way that they started and they left Tacoma happy, currently sitting at second in the NWSL table with 7 points, just 3 behind league leading Orlando Pride with 10.
Looking to bounce back: The Reign will now shift their focus over to the NY/NJ Gotham FC club that they have not beaten since May 18th, 2019. It will be their second away match of the season, with Gotham's last 5 looking like this: LDWLD. It would be a big boost to have Rose Lavelle repeat her performance from this game and hopefully get the attackers chances that they will then be able to convert. Jess Fishlock has said that this club is very much a work in progress, and that is true. There is a lot of reason to be excited, so for now, we look to Gotham FC. Thank you to the OL Reign for the opportunity to attend this match!
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