OL Reign survive GK red card, beat Kansas City

OL Reign overcame a late red card to defeat Kansas City 2-0 on Sunday night, snapping the club’s two-game losing streak.

Bethany Balcer struck early for OL Reign, picking off a back pass by Kansas City to put her side up 1-0 in the third minute of play.

Let's get started early, @bethanybalcer 👏#RGNvKC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/18b382o3Dh

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 11, 2021

Balcer found the back of the net again in the 29th minute, heading home a cross from Sofia Huerta to double the Reign’s lead.

Can't spell Balcer without brace ✅#RGNvKC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/ShuzMTLfQX

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 11, 2021

OL Reign ran into trouble in the 70th minute when goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi picked up a red card, forcing the team to play with ten players. Balcer’s early brace, however, helped the Reign hold onto their lead over the final 20 minutes.

.@OLReign down to 10 as a red card is shown‼️#RGNvKC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/MHI6IUSxF8

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 12, 2021

With the win, the Reign earned three points in the NWSL standings.

Next up: OL Reign will travel to Chicago to take on the Red Stars on Sunday. Kansas City will host North Carolina on July 23.