OL Reign took down Angel City FC 1-0 in the NWSL quarterfinal round at Lumen Field on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Reign midfielder Veronica Latsko broke 87 minutes of scoreless soccer by finding the back of the net with a late header.
- In extra time, Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe was substituted out for Olivia Van der Jagt. The American soccer legend, who announced she is retiring after this season, exited to a standing ovation in her final game in front of her home fans.
- With the win, the No. 4 seed Reign advance to face top-seed San Diego FC in the semifinals on Nov. 5.
Has @V_Latsko12 just won it for @OLReign?! 👀
The hosts go in front late at Lumen Field! pic.twitter.com/KxlgtQOCTg
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 21, 2023
Reign offense woke up just in time
It was a slow first half for the Reign as Angel City generated most of the attacking pressure and did more problem solving under pressure, but the Reign woke up fairly smartly in the second half, moving their line of pressure higher up the field and adding in substitute Rose Lavelle to create additional problems on their left/Rapinoe side.
Angel City’s midfield gave way somewhat as the Reign worked harder to take advantage of any moment either Amandine Henry or Madison Hammond tried to…
