Eugénie Le Sommer’s brace lifts OL Reign to first-round bye

OL Reign dominated in their final match of the regular season, downing Kansas City Current 3-0. The victory secured OL Reign a second-place ranking in the NWSL standings as well as a playoff bye and a semifinal home game.

OL Reign started the match on the front foot, forcing the Current to absorb a wave of attacks early. The game’s first goal came in the 35^th minute with a lofted Sofia Huerta cross, forcing an own goal from Kansas City to put the Reign up 1-0.

KC own goal makes it 1-0 Reign#KCvRGN l https://t.co/k1mmahThWQ l #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/MIOfWWTg3n

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 31, 2021

The Reign doubled their lead in the 48^th minute after Eugénie Le Sommer rifled in a loose ball off a well-placed Megan Rapinoe corner kick.

OL Reign's 8th cross goes to Le Sommer!#KCvRGN l https://t.co/k1mmahThWQ l #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/E0n7QrmS9R

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 31, 2021

Le Sommer struck again 15 minutes later, nodding in Rapinoe’s pass to the back post, putting the game out of reach. Saturday’s two-goal performance marks Le Sommer’s third brace of the season, a league record.

LE SOMMER! 3rd Brace of the season makes it 3-0 OL Reign#KCvRGN l https://t.co/k1mmahThWQ l #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/E2DHIkU5V1

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 31, 2021

OL Reign ends their season with 13 victories, winning four of their last six contests as they head into the playoffs. The team will host their semifinal match on Nov. 15 at Cheney Stadium.