If there’s anyone who knows how to take a “wild” free kick, it’s OL Reign and U.S. women’s national team forward Megan Rapinoe.
Rapinoe played a key role in OL Reign’s 5-2 win over the Chicago Red Stars last Saturday. While there was a lot of focus after the game on the Reign’s goal celebrations — one of which caused Rapinoe to receive a yellow card — Kristie Mewis was fixated on Rapinoe’s free kick that led to an own goal by the Red Stars.
“Pinoe’s free kicks, and just like her shooting in general, is so threatening just because it’s like her. Like when she’s taking it, I’m just like, oh my god,” Mewis said on the latest episode of Snacks.
“You’re like, where on earth is this going to go,” added Snacks co-host Lynn Williams.
Rapinoe has become known for sensational goals during her career in the NWSL and with the USWNT. The 37-year-old became the first player to score an Olimpico at the Olympics during the London Games in 2012, and she followed it up with another Olimpico in Tokyo in 2021.
“She could just do the riskiest thing and it’s just going to go in,” said co-host Sam Mewis.
Part of Rapinoe’s goal-scoring magic, the three agreed, is her ability to manipulate the ball with a “beautiful” technique.
“Her technique hitting the ball, it’s just so threatening and scary,” said Kristie Mewis. “Just when she’s standing up there and does her little pre-kick ritual, I’m just like, I can’t be here right now. I wanna crawl into a hole. Like this is gonna go in. It’s just so good.”
Rapinoe played a season-high 45 minutes for the Reign on Saturday, continuing to make her case for the USWNT’s 2023 World Cup roster while she works her way back from a lingering calf injury.