It wasn’t the prettiest game, particularly over the first hour of play, but OL Reign ultimately outlasted Utah Royals FC to earn their first win of the NWSL Challenge Cup thanks to a 91st minute goal from Bethany Balcer. The 1-0 win gives OL Reign four points from three games played, which at least briefly lifts them to third place in the standings.
After the match, OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti credited a change in attitude with the team gritting out a tough first win. “We talked about changing our attitude on the field.