OL Reign vs. Washington Spirit: Gamethread and updates

It’s OL Reign matchday! The Reign head on the street for his or her first regular-season match of 2022, taking over the Washington Spirit at Audi Subject. The sport kicks off at 2 PM PT and can stream on Paramount+ for followers within the U.S. and Twitch for worldwide viewers.

Immediately marks the beginning of a busy week for each golf equipment. After dealing with off this weekend, the Spirit and Reign meet once more on Wednesday for the Problem Cup semifinals. Relying on the result of that match, every group will both be enjoying their second regular-season match the next weekend or enjoying within the Problem Cup closing. That difficult math is for an additional day, nonetheless. Immediately is all concerning the regular-season opener.

The Spirit went 2-0-4 within the Problem Cup group stage, scoring 12 targets whereas permitting 7. The Reign, however, had been 4-0-2 and scored 11 whereas permitting 5. The common season is a special animal, although, and it’s primarily a clean slate for all groups.

Washington is a dominant offensive group, with Ashley Hatch scoring 5 targets in Problem Cup group stage play and Trinity Rodman notching 4. The inventive play flows by means of Ashley Sanchez, who’s on fireplace for the time being.

The Spirit gained the 2021 NWSL championship match, advancing to the ultimate after defeating the Reign within the semifinals in heartbreaking vogue. The D.C. membership returned a lot of their starters in 2022 and boasts a younger and proficient attacking line. In every week that sees the 2 sides match up twice, OL Reign are going to must put in a whole efficiency to beat the Spirit and make the most of their depth.

• Restrict Ashley Sanchez’s possibilities
• Inventive within the assault
• Deal with the ball always

OL Reign

OUT: Zsanett Kajan (COVID protocol), Megan Rapinoe (proper calf), Olivia Van der Jagt (COVID protocol)

Washington Spirit

OUT: Averie Collins (knee), Tori Huster (SEI – left decrease leg), Alia Martin (ankle), Tara McKeown (calf), Gaby Vincent (calf)

QUESTIONABLE: Jordan Baggett (calf), Kelley O’Hara (hamstring), Andi Sullivan (calf)

Jimena Lopez, Phoebe McClernon, and Nikki Stanton step into the beginning XI for the Reign.

A mixture of starters and a few rotational gamers within the lineup for the Spirit. Their terrorizing entrance 4 of Heilferty, Hatch, Rodman, and Sanchez all begin.

9’ – Reign earn a penalty because of some good play by Jess Fishlock and Ally Watt, however Rose Lavelle’s try is well saved by Aubrey Kingsbury.

14’ – Darn. The Spirit with some fast passing after profitable the ball within the midfield, and Ashley Sanchez buries her probability. 1-0 Spirit.

32’ – Large save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce to maintain this match shut.

34’ – And one other massive save from Phallon!

53’ – Reign get the equalizer! Nice work from Bethany Balcer, Ally Watt, after which Rose Lavelle to attract it degree.

66’ – Darn. Ashley Hatch places the Spirit up 2-1.

Date/Time: Sunday, Could 1, 2 PM PT

Location: Audi Subject, Washington, D.C.

TV: None

Streaming (US/Canada): Paramount+

Streaming (Worldwide): Twitch (search NWSLOfficial)

That is your OL Reign versus Washington Spirit gamethread. Be a part of the dialogue right here within the feedback, or observe the motion on Twitter: @rovalks.