For their second matchup this season, Angel City took on the OL Reign in an exciting five-goal game at Banc of California Stadium. The Reign were victorious after Tobin Heath came off the bench and scored late, marking her first goal since her return to the NWSL.
Match Highlights
The scoring started in the 9th minute, with the home team striking first. Claire Emslie took the initial shot, which Phallon Tullis-Joyce saved. The rebound produced from the save sent the ball into the path of Cari Roccaro, who took the easy one-touch shot into the back of the net. This marked Roccaro’s first NWSL goal of her career.
Angel City added to their tally when Alana Cook fouled Sydney Leroux in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Savannah McCaskill stepped up to the spot and easily converted it, sending Tullis-Joyce the other way. Angel City was now up 2–0, making it seem impossible for the Reign to pull out a win.
In the 54th minute, the Reign were on the board. Tziarra King played a perfect ball through to Jess Fishlock. The Welsh international took a touch inside and expertly curled the ball into the back post. The score was now 2–1.
Ten minutes later, the Reign tied up the game. After the ball was sent in on a corner, goalkeeper DiDi Haracic fumbled it, resulting in a defensive clearance right to the feet of Sofia Huerta. Huerta settled it before striking a rocket from outside the box into the top corner of the goal. The game was now tied 2–2, with plenty of time for both teams to grab the last goal.
The winning goal came in the 89th minute. Huerta sent the ball across the box where Heath perfectly timed the volley and shot the ball on the ground through the legs of Haracic. The Reign were now leading 3–2 with only a few short minutes left in the match.
The Reign won 3–2, and every goal scored was truly the best they could put out.
Player of the Match
The Player of the Match would have to be Tobin Heath.
Coming back to the NWSL with a rival team was something fans never thought would happen. She has immediately had an impact on the Reign and has proved herself by scoring a late game-winner.
With more time to gain chemistry with the team, Heath will soon be back to making defenders look silly with her skillful moves.
What’s up next?
Both teams continue their season on Sunday, August 7. The Reign plays the Houston Dash at 6:00 p.m. eastern, while Angel City takes on the Orlando Pride at 7:00 p.m. eastern. Both games will stream live on Paramount+ for US-based viewers.
