Once more a visit to familiar enemy territory, as OL Reign met Cascadia rivals Portland Thorns FC for their third match of the NWSL Challenge Cup. It was a tight, end-to-end affair, as you’d expect when rivals meet, yet a little bit of magic between Jess Fishlock and Rose Lavelle in the 73rd minute gave OL Reign the victory over Portland, 1-0.
WHAT WORKED: CONTAINING SOPHIA SMITH
Coming into tonight’s match, no one in the NWSL was more in form than Portland forward Sophia Smith. However, OL Reign’s experienced back line was able to contain Smith throughout the night.