After a three-week break, OL Reign resumed their NWSL Challenge Cup campaign, hosting San Diego Wave FC on Friday night at Lumen Field. With both squads having international players away at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, depth was tested, and OL Reign’s had the quality once again as they made it a NWSL Challenge Cup sweep of San Diego Wave FC with a 1-0 victory, to go along with their NWSL regular season sweep. OL Reign’s lone goal was from a converted penalty by Bethany Balcer in the 71st minute, which Ryanne Brown won.
WHAT WORKED: FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, STING LIKE BOATS
We already had a scenario earlier in the season where defender Sofia Huerta took and converted a penalty for OL Reign because the usual takers, namely Megan Rapinoe, weren’t available.