NWSL 2019 Rookie of the Year Bethany Balcer finally found the net for OL Reign with a 91st minute goal to notch a 1-0 win over the Utah Royals on Wednesday.
Entering the match, the Reign had yet to score a goal in the NWSL Challenge Cup in Utah, logging zero shots on target in their 2-0 loss to Houston during the weekend. Despite the absence of midfielder Allie Long, the Reign brought a new vigor to Wednesday’s match, which was rewarded with Balcer’s late game winner.
“I think we’ve really persevered,” Balcer said. “I mean, it’s kind of a new identity with this team this year, so we’ve been trying to figure that out and come together.