Reign FC 1
Orlando Pride 1
NWSL Regular Season
April 21, 2019
Cheney Stadium – Tacoma, WA
A sunny Sunday evening was an ideal setting for Reign FC to kick off the 2019 home slate in their new digs in Tacoma. The relocation to the south overshadowed much of the rest of the off-season for the club. The grass field, close confines, and 5323 festive fans greeted the club and the visiting Orlando Pride.
Orlando had struggled the first few matches, but got on the score sheet in the 6th minute as Alanna Kennedy hit a beautiful overhead (nearly a bicycle) kick from near the spot. A festive opening night in Tacoma for Reign FC was in immediate jeopardy.
It didn’t take long before Bethany Balcer got her first NWSL goal, leveling the match in the 20th minute. Balcer got her first goal in her first start, having made her first appearance as a sub on the road in the opener. Of note, she is also the first NAIA player signed to the league.
In what became a fairly physical first half, neither side was able to break the deadlock going into the break.
Shea Groom and Allie Long both tangling with Orlando keeper Ahlyn Harris. Groom’s 33rd minute block of a Harris clearance nearly made it 2-1, but the ball trickled just wide as Groom slid towards it.
The second half saw both sides having opportunities to break the deadlock, but ultimately the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Reign FC coach Vlatko Andonovski was pleased with the hustle and tenacity of his side. Playing without multiple starters even before world cup absences could be reasons to lower expectations, but there was a sense changing players on the pitch will not alter tactics or approach. “If we go in with heart and mentality like we did tonight, we’re going to be successful.”
For Orlando, grabbing a much needed road point after a rough first week at least gets them something to show for a solid effort. Orlando took it right at their hosts, grabbed an early goal, and showed some solid collective defense and willingness to go on the attack. But, one point after three matches with world cup absences about to start is a tough place to be.
For Photo Recap of the game click here.
Article photos by Vanya Tucherov
kicker photo by MEL
BOX score
Reign FC vs. Orlando Pride
April 21, 2019
Cheney Stadium – Tacoma, WA – 7:00 PM
Attendance: 5,323
RFC 1 0 1
ORL 1 0 1
Scoring Summary
ORL – Alanna Kennedy 6’
RFC – Bethany Balcer (Allie Long) 21
Misconduct Summary
ORL – Emily van Egmond (caution) 58’
RFC – Jodie Taylor (caution) 73’
ORL – Alex Morgan (caution) 90+2’
RFC: GK Michelle Betos, D Kristen McNabb, D Lauren Barnes, D Megan Oyster, D Celia Jimenez Delgado (Theresa Nielsen 83’), M Allie Long, M Rumi Utsugi (Morgan Andrews 90’), M Beverly Yanez, F Shea Groom, F Jodie Taylor, F Bethany Balcer (Kiersten Dallstream 78’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Lydia Williams, D Christen Westphal, M Elise Kellond-Knight, F Jaycie Johnson
Head Coach: Vlatko Andonovski
Shots: 14
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 11
Corner kicks: 3
Saves: 1
HOU: GK Ashlyn Harris, D Ali Krieger, D Alanna Kennedy, D Shelina Zadorsky, D Carson Pickett, M Dani Weatherholt, M Camila (Chioma Ubogagu 63’), M Emily van Egmond, F Rachel Hill (Kristen Edmonds 78’), F Alex Morgan, F Marta
Substitutes Not Used: GK Haley Kopmeyer, M Joanna Boyles, M Erin Greening, M Marisa Viggiano, M Bridget Callahan
Head Coach: Marc Skinner
Shots: 13
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 8
Corner kicks: 1
Saves: 3
