Mallory Pugh’s strike breaks Chicago’s incredible own goal streak

Mal Pugh had a hand in all three of the Red Stars’ scoring opportunities against OL Reign, causing two own goals before notching a banger of her own to end the own goal streak.

Chicago now holds a new league record for own goals in a season, forcing five in a row in the team’s last three games (all of which were wins).

OL Reign struck first in the 12^th minute Sunday, with Bethany Balcer volleying a bouncing ball into the upper 90. Balcer’s goal was her third in the team’s last two games.

Beth be ballin' 😌#CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/V6BXkAPDJn

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Chicago equalized in the opening minutes of the second half with a dangerous cross from Pugh, forcing an own goal to put the game at 1-1.

Another. Own. Goal. 😱#CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/gP5B6Iceo9

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Another own goal came in the 54^th minute off a Pugh corner kick. OL Reign’s failed clearance gave the Red Stars a 2-1 lead.

5 straight goals for the Golden Boot co-leader Own Goal of @chicagoredstars 😅 #CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/bLKs2ztcBQ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Ten minutes later, Pugh broke the own goal streak with a close-range rifle to put Chicago up 3-1 late in the second half.

"That'll be enough from you, Own Goal" -@MalPugh #CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/Rz6P1GHuco

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

The Red Stars earned three points in their victory over OL Reign, shooting the club to second in the NWSL standings.

Up Next: The Reign will stay on the road to take on the Pride in Orlando on Saturday. Chicago will face off against Gotham FC on Sunday.