Thorns dealt first lost of the season by Cascadia rivals OL Reign
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The Portland Thorns lost their first match of the season 2-1 to Cascadia rivals OL Reign.
Christine Sinclair scored only four minutes into the match. Reign’s goalkeeper Karen Bardsley came out and punched a Crystal Dunn cross to Sinclair. The Canadian took it first time and delicately dropped the ball under the crossbar to give the Thorns a 1-0 lead.
The lead didn’t last long. Dunn took down Jessica Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take the kick. She curled it low and Adrianna Franch was able to get a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
OL Reign add Rose Lavelle for the 2021 season
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Another week, another world-class player joining OL Reign for the 2021 season.
OL Reign today announced that U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle will immediately join OL Reign as a U.S. allocated player. While initial rumors had indicated she’d be joining the Reign after the Olympics, the Reign confirmed Lavelle will start training with the club on May 26 and is expected to be available for selection in the next home match against the Washington Spirit on May 30.
“We believe Rose has the ability to be the best player in the world. She is an extraordinary talent that is the perfect fit for our long-term vision for the team,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “From the moment the trade became a possibility last year we have been focused on finding a way to bring her to the club. We are thrilled to add her to the squad and believe she can play a key role in our efforts to compete for a championshi
Megan Rapinoe and Jessica Fishlock (Wales) were available as substitutes for the Reign, while Becky Sauerbrunn, Lindsey Horan, Christine Sinclair (Canada), Crystal Dunn and Sophia Smith were all in the Thorns’ starting lineup.
Horan put the Thorns on top early with a goal on a free kick in the 16th minute. Charley added the second moments into the second half.
Rapinoe had a good chance in the 80th minute but Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch reached out to stop it.
The game marked the Portland debut of Dunn, who joined the Thorns in the offseason.
Earlier Wednesday, the Chicago Red Stars played to a 1-1 draw with Kansas City. Sydney Leroux scored in the Orlando Pride’s 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit.
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