Reign FC continued preseason play on Sunday, taking on the United States U-23 Women’s National Team in the first of a three-game Thorns Spring Invitational in Portland. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Reign FC, although the NWSL side dominated and should have put in a few more goals.
Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski started what looks to be close to an ideal XI, with Lydia Williams anchoring the defense in goal; Steph Catley, Lauren Barnes, Megan Oyster, and Celia Jiménez Delgado along the backline; Allie Long, Elise Kellond-Knight, and Bev Yanez in the midfield; and Megan Rapinoe, Jodie Taylor, and new Reign FC forward Darian Jenkins in the front band of three.