FULL TIME: While last week, it felt at times like the Reign were lucky to walk away with one point, Sunday evening’s home performance felt like the opposite. While the team had a solid performance and still managed a 1-1 draw against the Orlando Pride, they controlled much of the match and were unfortunate to not earn three points.

In a physical battle, Reign FC had 55% of possession and more shots, but just couldn’t quite connect around the box. With a team recovering from multiple injuries, it wasn’t a surprise to see misplayed passes to new teammates and runs that were just off.

While the team will want a few chances back, it was a gritty and positive performance in front of 5,323 fans at Cheney Stadium.

It’s Reign FC’s first home match of the 2019 season, and first-ever home match at Cheney Stadium. After a tough 1-1 road draw to open the year, the Reign are looking for three points against the Orlando Pride. The match kicks off at 7 PM PT.

Yahoo! Sports is the streaming partner.

Orlando is coming off a tough mid-week match, where they fell 5-0 on the road against the North Carolina Courage. After playing last Sunday against the Portland Thorns, the Pride are going to need to rotate some players. Reign FC, meanwhile, caught the early season injury bug. Jasmyne Spencer tore her ACL in the opening match, and a number of starters are questionable today. Sunday night’s match will be a good early test of the club’s depth.

Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension

Reign FC: Jasmyne Spencer and Taylor Smith are both out due to ACL tears. Megan Rapinoe and Steph Catley are both questionable, recovering from calf strains.

Opponent: Toni Pressley is the only Pride player on the injury report. She’s out with a hamstring strain.

Keys to the Game

• Pressure, pressure, pressure: Orlando is shaky in the back and midfield when under constant pressure.
• Don’t let Alex Morgan get behind: Morgan loves streaking runs to the corner of the 18-yard box, where she can score from tight angles. The Reign defensive line will need to keep her in front of them at all times.
• Take advantage of set pieces: Orlando has struggled to defend crosses and set pieces. Reign FC have the talent to take advantage of these opportunities. Don’t let them go to waste.

Highlights

5' - Wow. Orlando goes up on the bicycle.

20' - What a goal by Bethany Balcer.

57’ - Ashlynn Harris is asked to make a big save.

85’ - Betos comes up big to keep things level.

Lineups

In addition to the known injuries, Darian Jenkins is sitting.

How to Watch

Date/Time: Sunday, April 21, 7:00 PM PT

Location: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, WA

TV: None

Online: Yahoo! Sports (U.S. viewers), NWSLsoccer.com (international viewers) — How to stream NWSL matches in 2019

Join the Discussion

This is your Reign FC v. Orlando Pride gamethread. Head to @rovalks on Twitter for real-time updates, or join the conversation in the comments below.