Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
OL Reign had multiple opportunities in the past several weeks to secure its spot in the playoffs, needing a win that could seemingly never be found. But on Sunday, during the National Womens Soccer League‘s first-ever Decision Day, the Reign’s day-one players came up with huge performances to secure not only a playoff spot but a homefield advantage in the first round.
Facing a Chicago Red Stars team already eliminated from playoff contention and 12th in the standings, OL Reign’s goal was clear ahead of kickoff: win the game and make the playoffs. The Red Stars have leaked goals like crazy this season but an away win for the Reign was never a given. The Reign had failed to get a win in four games heading into Sunday.
It took one more vintage effort from Megan Rapinoe — who was facing the reality of playing her final professional game on Sunday if the Reign lost — to make sure the Reign made the playoffs for the fifth straight time. Rapinoe put the team on her back with two quick goals just…
