SEATTLE: Three goals from strikers Megan Rapinoe, Jordyn Huitema and Bethany Balcer set Lumen Field rejoicing last Saturday night, as OL Reign claimed the NWSL Shield for the third time in their ten-year history before a record standalone crowd of 10,746, pipping west coast rivals Portland Thorns to the post.
The Shield is awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the regular season. The Thorns, one point ahead of the Reign, were the favourites to win it, leading the NWSL standings before their Saturday game against New York/New Jersey’s Gotham FC, who finish at the bottom of the table after a dismal season.
However, a surprising burst of never-say-die energy from Gotham saw them score their first goal in 527 minutes to lead the Thorns. The Thorns recovered and claimed a 2-1 lead before half-time, but Gotham rallied and levelled the final score at 3-3, denying them a crucial 3 points. Captain Michelle Betos commented afterwards that she thought the Shield might be awarded to Portland after the game, and that her team didn’t want the west coasters “celebrating in Gotham’s back yard”.
The Reign just needed a win to take the Shield and delivered a decisive, exultant performance to cap a searing late-season run, sealing the deal in the first half. Undefeated in nine back-to-back games, the Seattle team have turned 2022 around after a shaky start.