Balcer’s late winner against Current gives Reign first win of season

Forward Megan Rapinoe chases the ball

Seattle, WA – For the first time this 2022 NWSL regular season, the OL Reign collected three points. An 80th minute header goal by Bethany Balcer off of excellent service by Sofia Huerta would put the Reign ahead. Alana Cook, Phallon Tullis-Joyce and the Reign back line held strong to close the game out. The Reign dominated the offensive statistics, most notably holding the Current without a shot on target.

Jess Fishlock fights for a ball

Bethany Balcer wins it in the 80th

In the last match for the Reign, Bethany Balcer left the field in pain and with an obvious limp following a collision in stoppage time. The play saw several players land on top of each other, and it seemed certain that Bethany might have some injury designation. Balcer was good to go, and was subbed on in the 63rd minute. The Sofia Huerta-Bethany Balcer connection showed that it was alive and well, as the two connected for yet another goal. Huerta whipped a ball in from about the mid-point of the Current half, finding a wide open Balcer who guided the ball into the top corner of the net with her head.

Bethany Balcer scored her first goal of the regular season

Reign defense continues to impress

A significant reason why the Reign have three draws has been that their back line and goalkeeping have been excellent. That was no different in this match, because as previously mentioned the Current did not even register a shot on target. Kansas City did not create a big chance, had 13 less total shots than the Reign, and had less possession. Alana Cook continues to be stellar at center back, but the insertion of Phoebe McClernon into starting center back spot next to her caused some worry. McClernon made a few questionable decisions, but ultimately the Reign were able to play around them.

An injury decimated Current proved to be the perfect opportunity for the Reign to not only get their first win of the regular season, but also score for the first time in three matches. The Reign’s busy week continues as they play the third and final match of this week against the San Diego Wave on Sunday, May 29th with a noon kickoff. Alex Morgan and the Wave currently tout the best record in the NWSL, as well as the highest goal differential.

Thank you to Melissa Levin for the photos used in this article. Thank you Mel!