• On occasion I (Jeff) do some rave green coverage for ProstAmerika in addition to the Woso work. As such, I am posting my match reports here when I do. For example 2019 MLS Cup: https://www.prostamerika.com/2019/11/11/seattle-sounders-mls-cup-2019-player-ratings/235961/

Seattle Sounders FC 0

San Jose Earthquakes 0

MLS is Back

July 10, 2020

Seattle Sounders FC and San Jose Earthquakes returned to the pitch in the MLS is Back Tournament on Friday night in Orlando. A rivalry that dates back to NASL matches in 1974 and has included epic US Open Cup matches prior Seattle joining MLS in 2009 was renewed in the quarantine bubble in an empty stadium to a home only audience.

With both sides facing live opposition for the first time in four months and having to acclimate to the Florida weather leading in, match fitness and substitution patterns would likely play a roll in the match.

San Jose brought steady man marking pressure to the first thirdhe of the match, forcing Seattle to attempt to play through with limited ability to get numbers forward. Sounders FC still managed a few dangerous chances early, but the Earthquakes controlled the flow of play going into the first hydration break. The story moving forward into the interval would be whether Seattle could break the pressure and take control or if the pace of play would be controlled by San Jose.

Going into the interval goalless was surprising given the amount of possession from San Jose throughout the first forty-five. However, it was a continuation of the trend of the first MLS is Back Tournament matches all being level and scoreless at the half.

The pace of play altered to slower early in the second half, as the short return to training window and Florida climate began to play a role. Once substitutes began to enter, and the line up shifts followed, a very different final third would emerge. Weathering the first sixty minutes meant Seattle had the opportunity to find their legs as the San Jose pressure slowed. Moving to near the middle of the second half cramps in players began to cause stoppages, as the Florida climate acclimation continued to be a factor.

The final stretch of the match would either see late heroics or a goalless stalemate and a point to both sides. The pace of the early stages faded down the stretch, as bot clubs continued to look to chances, but not attacking in big numbers or with nearly the energy of the first third.

Nether side took significant risks in stoppage time, poking forward, but the notion of a point in the first match back and clean sheets seemingly something to build on after slogging through this first match.

And with the final whistle, the single point each was what both teams got.

OL Reign 1
Utah Royals FC 0
NWSL Challenge Cup
July 8, 2020

With quarterfinal seeding coming into focus OL Reign and Utah Royals faced off Wednesday morning in Utah in the third NWSL Challenge Cup match for both sides.

OL Reign were still without the services of both Jessica Fishlock and Sofia Huerta for the match. Sitting on one point after the first two matches, points were becoming increasingly important. Also, the club had failed to score in either match, while conceding only two with a clean sheet to still manage a draw and a point in the standings. OL Reign utilized their squad depth with a significant line up roll over from previous matches, giving a number of players their first starts or minutes of the tournament. Goalkeeper Michelle Betos saw her first action in over a year since a serious injury ended her 2019 season within the first matches.

The Royals entered with four points, having a win and a draw, including late heroics in their opener. A result in the third match, with the four points with minimal missing players, was an opportunity for the Royals to move up in the standings going into the upcoming last group phase match day.

Utah went at OL Reign early, utilizing the dangerous runs and creativity up front of Amy Rodriguez. Despite some chances, there was a fair amount of end to end possession play, resulting in a goalless first half. For the Royals, the first half ending nil nil was an opportunity lost. Even without scoring in the first 45 and sitting a few key players, Utah could build on some of the dangerous opportunities they were creating after the break.

OL Reign went in to the interval having found more of the game as the half progressed. Jasmyne Spencer hit the side netting late in the half and striker Jodie Taylor had been heavily marked by the Utah center backs, but a level first half was a good start. The Reign defense continued to hold tough, leaving it with only a single goal conceded in two and a half matches.

Goalless matches get tighter as the minutes tick down. This was no exception. As each opportunity takes on more potential as a game changing event. Bethany Balcer entering the match led to a quick and dangerous opportunity for OLR as the match moved into the 70s, forcing Royals keeper Nicole Barnhart into a low diving save as the hydration break approached. Utah brought Diana Matheson into the match for the final stretch of the match, looking to try and grab a goal and the full three points.

Neither side looked to be playing for the single point in the final minutes, adding offense and pushing to open the play to create chances. Nicole Momiki brought immediate energy and danger to the Reign attack down the stretch. Bethany Balcer finally broke the deadlock and the Reign scoreless streak hitting the net at the beginning of stoppage time. Balcer, the 2019 ROY got a head on a Momiki cross to break the deadlock and alter the standings of the tournament. Balcer after the match, “We know we have all the right parts.”

Utah goes into match day four with a good sense of their attack and their defense and are certain to be a tough out in the elimination round. Utah has solid defensive shape and moves the ball through the midfield into attack steadily. Having a dangerous and in form striker like Rodriguez could give them an edge in their ability to create goals in the games that really matter. The result has to feel tough given how much of the play they controlled.

For OL Reign, the Cascadia derby finishes out their group phase slate. The derby at a neutral site is certain to have a significant social media presence, as it could be the only one of 2020 for the women or the men. However, the club still has many questions to be answered as to who they are in 2020. It will be interesting to see what line ups emerge for the next two match days. Can’t win if you don’t score. Getting one is great, but they cannot rely on stoppage time winners. Can’t lose if you don’t concede. Three points were a real reward for slogging through so much. However, if OLR keep this up, practicing spot kicks might be something they really need to focus on for upcoming elimination round matches.

OL Reign 0

Houston Dash 2

NWSL Challenge Cup Match 2

July 4, 2020

OL Reign and Houston Dash finished up the slate of 2nd matches for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in Utah on Saturday night.

Both sides entered the night with a point from their first matches, although the draws were very different in regards to the scorelines. The OLR offense did not find the back of the net, while the defense kept a clean sheet. Houston scored three, but their defense dropped two late goals to finish the match a 3-3 draw.

Early matches and game play has meant a good amount of possession for OLR, but those opportunities and set pieces have not paid off. OLR had a number of first third chances and corners, but remained goal less going into the first hydration break after 30 minutes.

Houston capitalized on high pressure leading to the opening goal of the match early in the 12th minute from Kristie Mewis. Mewis’ strike from 15 yards was clean and low and wide and beat OLR keeper Casey Murphy.

A one nil lead was a great place to go into the interval for Houston. OLR was still looking for their first goal of the tournament.

The early second half continued to move Houston’s way. A 54th minute header by Shea Groom put the Dash in control.

The Dash have now scored five goals in the first two matches. They did not give up a goal in match two and finished off OLR to move in to 2nd place half way through the group phase.

OL Reign have a lot of questions still to answer. They still have players like Jessica Fishlock and Sofia Huerta who have yet to play, and that may solve some of the offense, but until they play it doesn’t really matter. After two matches they have one point and no goals.

Match day 3 is where things start to really set up for the quarterfinal, the match that really matters.

OL Reign 0
Sky Blue FC 0
June 30, 2020
NWSL Challenge Cup

OL Reign and Sky Blue FC played match four of the NWSL Challenge cup Tuesday evening in Utah, completing the first set of matches so that all eight participating clubs now have one match in the books.

There were eventful off-seasons for both clubs. Sky Blue made great strides, even if not with all of the results, in 2019. Other off-season moves were in the quality of club business and the adding of players such as McCall Zerboni. The expectations in New Jersey are for a club on an upswing.

OL Reign re-branded a second consecutive off-season; changed ownership and coaching, and had some key players move on. 2020 also finds a number of players returning from injury and joining the club via trades and international signings.

A nearly statistical dead heat in shots and possession in a scoreless first half does not necessarily tell the story. OL Reign had the first truly dangerous chance on goal with Kristen McNabb’s long range shot forcing a save. Near the half Sky Blue forward Naho Kawasumi got through close range but a sliding Lauren Barnes blocked the shot or it could easily not have been goalless at the half.

Still, it was a first match for both sides and the timing was off enough to stop a number of attacks. For OL Reign, attacking down the left flank from McNabb to Darian Jenkins created a number of dangerous opportunities in the first half.

Chances continued for both in the second half and subs like Jasmine Spencer affected the match. Spencer had two dangerous chances with a breakaway in the 85th and blocking the keeper moments later, but to no avail. A dangerous 71st minute strike by Eddy of Sky Blue challenged Murphy.

Both coaches went with a veteran presence in the midfield with Zerboni and OL Reign’s Allie Long, veteran strikers, and goalkeepers with international futures. Jessica Fishlock is still to make her 2020 debut. It is reasonable to expect significant line up changes these first few matches as minutes are spread out and combinations sorted.

After the match OL Reign defender Lauren Barnes said, “I think we can continue to be hard to beat, like we were today. I think we gave Sky Blue too many chances. They’re a good side, but we need to be a little bit stronger and a little bit cleaner in our play.

A goalless draw does no harm in the sense each side grabs a point and knows its defense can withstand pressure, but the attack for both sides will need to use the next three group phase matches if moving forward in the elimination round is to happen.

Match Report
Match: OL Reign vs. Sky Blue FC
Date: June 30, 2020
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. MT
Weather: 72 degrees, clear and sunny

Scoring Summary
None

Misconduct Summary
RGN – Alana Cook (caution) 59’

Lineups & Stats
RGN: GK Casey Murphy, D Kristen McNabb, D Lauren Barnes, D Alana Cook, D Stephanie Cox (Nicole Momiki 75’), M Rebecca Quinn, M Allie Long, M Shirley Cruz (Rosie White 75’), F Darian Jenkins, F Jodie Taylor (Jasmyne Spencer 75’), F Bethany Balcer (Taylor Smith 57’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Michelle Betos, GK Carly Nelson, D Amber Brooks, D Machaela George, D Madison Hammond, D Celia Jiménez Delgado, D Adrienne Jordan, M Morgan Andrews, M Kelcie Hedge, M Dani Weatherholt, F Mariah Lee
Head Coach: Farid Benstiti

Shots: 13
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 9
Corner kicks: 6
Saves: 2

NJ: GK Kailen Sheridan, D Margaret Purce (Erica Skroski 77’), D Sabrina Flores, D Gina Lewandowski, D Estelle Johnson, M Domi Richardson (Jennifer Cudjoe 60’), M Sarah Woldmoe, M McCall Zerboni, F Paige Monaghan (Elizabeth Eddy 46’), F Ifeoma Onumonu (Evelyne Viens 77’) , F Nahomi Kawasumi
Substitutes Not Used: GK Didi Haracic, GK Megan Hinz, GK Amanda McGlynn, D Mandy Freeman, D Kaleigh Riehl, D Chantelle Swaby, M Cassidy Benintente, M Nicole Baxter, M Kenie Wright, F Imani Dorsey
Head Coach: Freya Coombe

Shots: 8
Shots ton goal: 2
Fouls: 6
Corner kicks: 4
Saves: 4

Much has happened off the field for NWSL side OL Reign since the end of the 2019 season. Now, it is time to see the former Reign FC take the field for the 2020 NWSL Challenge cup. There are now new majority owners in Tacoma as the franchise was purchased by OL Groupe. There was a coaching change as Farid Benstiti is on the bench and Vlatko Andonovski is now USWNT head coach. A number of players departed and new signings have been brought in.

Even with the changes, OL Reign heads to the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup at nearly full strength. The 28 player roster is missing star Megan Rapinoe, but is otherwise mostly the club that would be playing regular season matches this summer if not for the pandemic. If anything, the extra recovery time of the late start might benefit much of the roster, as a number of players like Jessica Fishlock and Michelle Betos are returning from injuries from the 2019 season.

Due to training restrictions in Tacoma, OL Reign have spent the June training period in Montana. By heading to Missoula for the pre-tournament training period, Reign players have already been in an away from home team quarantine like they will face in Utah. Training at an altitude similar to Salt Lake City could reap rewards in the early matches.

After Orlando withdrew, the nine team field became an eight team field and the tournament schedule needed some adjusting. For the Reign that only turned out to mean a switch of the July 4 match from playing Washington Spirit to instead being the Houston Dash. The opener with Sky Blue FC and the matches with Utah and rival Portland remain the third and fourth matches.

Returning for OL Reign are NWSL Rookie of the Year Bethany Balcer and USWNT international Allie Long. Lauren Barnes remains as a clear leader of the defense. Casey Murphy was a find for the 2019 side after goalkeeper injuries and is a name mentioned as a future possible USWNT keeper. Jodie Taylor gives OL Reign a veteran and proven goalscorer up front.

The 2019 side played much of the season with Rapinoe and made the playoffs. The depth could again prove enough to put them in good position for a run at the Challenge Cup.

2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Roster (announced June 23rd)

Goalkeepers (3): Michelle Betos, Casey Murphy, Carly Nelson

Defenders (10): Lauren Barnes, Amber Brooks, Alana Cook, Steph Cox, Machaela George, Madison Hammond, Celia Jiménez Delgado (INT-ESP), Adrienne Jordan, Kristen McNabb, Taylor Smith

Midfielders (8): Morgan Andrews, Shirley Cruz (INT-CRC), Jess Fishlock, Kelcie Hedge (CDP), Allie Long (FED-USA), Rebecca Quinn (INT-CAN), Dani Weatherholt, Rosie White (INT-NZ)

Forwards (7): Bethany Balcer, Sofia Huerta, Darian Jenkins, Mariah Lee, Nicole Momiki, Jasmyne Spencer, Jodie Taylor

OL REIGN PRELIMINARY ROUND SCHEDULE

OL Reign vs. Sky Blue FC – Zions Bank Stadium – Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 p.m. PT – CBS All Access
Houston Dash vs. OL Reign – Zions Bank Stadium – Saturday, July 4, 7:00 p.m. PT – CBS All Access
Utah Royals FC vs. OL Reign – Zions Bank Stadium – Wednesday, July 8, 9:30 a.m. PT – CBS All Access
OL Reign vs. Portland Thorns FC – Zions Bank Stadium – Monday, July 13, 9:30 a.m. PT – CBS All Access

Quarterfinals for all participating teams begin July 17.

photos by Vanya Tucherov