The latest iteration of the Cascadia rivalry was short on shots but packed with drama, as Rose Lavelle lifted OL Reign to victory with a late-game push.
Saturday’s matchup was gridlocked until the 74th minute, when Lavelle received a well-paced through ball from Jess Fishlock and fired a rocket past Thorns keeper Abby Smith for the 1-0 lead.
The movement, the finish, the moment 🤌@roselavelle | @OLReign pic.twitter.com/cGGqpNNcN7— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 3, 2022
The movement, the finish, the moment 🤌@roselavelle | @OLReign pic.twitter.com/cGGqpNNcN7
The 1-0 scoreline held until the final whistle despite Portland’s best efforts, rewarding OL Reign three points in the Challenge Cup standings.
OL Reign now sits atop the West Division, while Portland fell to second place.