After a brief NWSL break due to FIFA international play, OL Reign is back in action tonight. They’ll be hosting the Chicago Red Stars at Lumen Field at 7 PM PT. The match will stream on Paramount+ for fans in the U.S. and Twitch for international viewers (search NWSLOfficial).

OL Reign enters the match fifth in the league table with a 7-4-6 record. The club has scored 22 goals while allowing 16. Chicago is right behind them in sixth with a 7-5-5 record and has scored 26 goals while conceding 22.

With just four matches remaining for both clubs after tonight, this match has important playoff implications. This is a tight playoff race — just six points separate first and seventh place at the moment. OL Reign can’t afford to let points slip, especially at home.

What to Watch

• Make Chicago chase: The North Carolina Courage recently earned a 4-0 win over Chicago because the Courage found success in transition. The Reign have players who could punish the Red Stars quickly. Make them chase us.
• Contain Mallory Pugh: Despite dealing with small injuries, Mallory Pugh has 8 goals and 5 assists this season. She powers the Red Stars offense. The Reign have to keep her contained.
• Clean sheet: It has been a while since OL Reign have earned a clean sheet (July 1 was their last one). Let’s change that tonight.

Injury / Availability Report

OL Reign

OUT: Angelina (SEI - right knee), Jess Fishlock (excused absence), Tobin Heath (left leg), Sinclaire Miramontez (right leg), Jodi Ulkekul (right knee)

Chicago Red Stars

OUT: Tierna Davidson (right knee), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Kayla Sharples (left knee), Kealia Watt (maternity leave), Sarah Woldmoe (maternity leave), Arin Wright (right ankle)

Lineups

Highlights

18’ - Jordyn Huitema nabs her own rebound and opens the scoring for OL Reign!

25’ - Ridiculous save by Alyssa Naeher to keep the Reign at 1-0.

39’ - What gorgeous build-up for OL Reign. Huitema will definitely want this one back! Still 1-0, but all Reign at the moment.

45 +1’ - UGH. Reign dominate all half and let Chicago sneak in an equalizer to close out the first half. 1-1.

67’ - UGH. A tight handball is called, and Dani Colaprico buries it for Chicago, putting them up 2-1 against the Reign.

80’ - Rose Lavelle levels it! 2-2 now.

How to Watch

Date/Time: Friday, September 9, 7 PM PT
Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Streaming (US): Paramount+
Streaming (International): Twitch (search NWSLOfficial)

Join the Discussion

This is your OL Reign versus Chicago Red Stars gamethread. Join the discussion here in the comments, or follow the action on Twitter: @rovalks.