NWSL Results: Reign put four past Gotham

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OL Reign 4, NJNY Gotham FC 1



The Skinny: OL Reign finally scored a number of goals they will be happy with after absolutely dominating Gotham who are still reeling from a losing streak and coaching change, with this being the debut of interim head coach Hue Menzies. For the Reign, Megan Rapinoe stood out with her first brace (almost a hat trick as she pointed out postgame) in a year and an assist, she seems to be returning the form we are used to seeing from her.




One Key Moment: With a two-goal lead at halftime, the Reign knew that the next goal was the most important one. It took them a little while to find it but the home team secured the all crucial third goal through Rapinoe. The hold-up play in the box from Jordyn Huitema was brilliant, drawing defenders and leaving Rapinoe in plenty of space in the box to rifle the shot.

Megan Rapinoe with pure power gets her second of the match!#RGNvNJNY | 3 – 0 pic.twitter.com/Jg1bDSFy1d
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 14, 2022

Inside the Game: Right from the start, Gotham were under tons of pressure that they were unable to handle. This was the story of the game, Reign’s high press being incredibly effective at getting them attacking opportunities. Rapinoe’s assist came on the first goal of the night with one of her signature quick throw-ins to U.S. Women’s National Team teammate Rose Lavelle who knew that she would be played in behind and got the finish.

Rose Lavelle puts OL Reign on the board first!#RGNvNJNY | 1 – 0 pic.twitter.com/MBmyXJOKDi
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 14, 2022

The second goal came from incredibly high pressure and if you are Gotham you simply can’t allow the other team to dispossess you inside your own box, which Rapinoe did and was subsequently taken down for the penalty kick she converted.

Here is the clear foul by Ellie Jean pic.twitter.com/vbLrWhyawV
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 14, 2022

Gotham did manage to get a goal back through their own counterattack via Taylor Smith, who continues to be a bright spot for the New Jersey/New York club.

Taylor Smith pulls one back for Gotham!#RGNvNJNY | 3 – 1 pic.twitter.com/ovoDtQd0LY
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 14, 2022

OL Reign sealed their needed win with a fourth goal in the 73rd minute. The ball came in from Rapinoe, who argued after the game that it was on target and should be credited to her, but it was quite forcefully headed in by Gotham defender Mandy Freeman for what is officially an own goal.

Megan Rapinoe forces an own goal for Reign's FOURTH of the game!#RGNvNJNY | 4 – 1 pic.twitter.com/k3HQg5Yjdc
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 14, 2022

The Goals:

1. OL Reign — Rose Lavelle (Megan Rapinoe), 15′
2. OL Reign — Megan Rapinoe (PK), 42′
3. OL Reign — Megan Rapinoe (Jordyn Huitema), 69′
4. NJNY Gotham FC — Taylor Smith (Ifeoma Onumonu), 72′
5. OL Reign –Mandy Freeman (OG), 73′

— Bella Munson



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