Rose Lavelle’s diving header lifts OL Reign over San Diego

OL Reign extended its unbeaten streak to five games, logging its second straight win with a 1-0 victory over first-place San Diego Wave on Sunday.

The match was gridlocked until late in the second half, when an OL Reign set-piece provided the home team the go-ahead goal.

Sofia Huerta lined up over the ball for a free kick on the flank, just outside the box. The Reign outside back whipped in a well-placed service, with Rose Lavelle making the diving header to power the ball past Wave keeper Kailen Sheridan and put her side up 1-0.

Sunday’s matchup also marked reigning MVP Jess Fishlock’s 150th regular-season appearance. She is closing in on teammate Lauren Barnes, who holds the Reign record for games played.

OL Reign’s shutout is the club’s fourth clean sheet in a row, a streak it will look to build on when it travels to Toyota Park to take on the Chicago Red Stars next Saturday.