OL Reign x San Diego Wave FC

The OL Reign rolled over the San Diego Wave FC in their 2023 home opener. Midfielder Olivia Van der Jagt scored in extra time to put the Reign ahead of the Wave in front of another record-breaking crowd. The OL Reign got off to a fast start in the first half, firing the first shot of the game in the fourth minute. In a charged atmosphere, the Reign kept up their relentless assault on San Diego by playing outstanding defense and offense throughout the first 45 minutes.

After missing the Reign's first two matches due to injury, original striker Megan Rapinoe came in as a substitute in the 73rd minute and immediately swung the tide back in the Reign's favor. A minute later, Rapinoe got a shot off that almost made it, reviving both the Reign and the Lumen Field crowd.

Tullis-Joyce made a tremendous save in the final seconds of the game to keep the Reign in it, preventing attacker Alex Morgan from scoring. Five minutes into extra time, an OL Reign corner kick produced mayhem in and around the 18-yard box. After numerous blocked shots, Van der Jagt was able to get a foot on a ball that had been sent into the box, and he slammed it in to give the Reign a 1-0 lead in front of their home fans for the first home win of the 2023 season.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Jackie Shinstrom]