**PORTLAND, Ore.** – OL Reign came away with a 1-0 win against Cascadia rivals Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday night in the Challenge Cup thanks to attacker Elyse Bennett’s goal in the 54 ^th minute. The result keeps the Reign atop the West Division standings with 10 points through four games, while Portland drops to 3 ^rd place with 3 points from three games played.
A relatively tame first 45 minutes was lit up with a chance for each side as the half came to a close. First, in the 42 ^nd minute, forward Elyse Bennett made a forward run into the center of the box where she was able to tap in a cross from the right side to go in front. However, the side official had an offside flag raised high, wiping away the goal and restoring the original scoreline as the search for an opener continued.
Three minutes later, Portland midfielder Olivia Moultrie produced Portland’s first shot on goal as she received a backheel pass about 25 yards out from goal and moved just left of the center of the box. Opting for a shot, Moultrie curled a low, left-footed effort that rolled toward Reign goalkeeper Laurel Ivory’s goal, but the goalkeeper was more than equal to it as she pushed it away to safety.
Into the second half, Ivory was forced into another save by Moultrie in the 51 ^st minute as the teenage sensation lined up again from just outside the box. This time, Moultrie got more power on the effort but again Ivory was in a good place to make the save and end the move.
The match turned in the Reign’s favor for good as a set piece routine would end up seeing Elyse Bennett power a header past Portland goalkeeper Shelby Hogan for the game’s opening goal. The Reign had a free kick just a few yards into the opposition half when a ball played from the right to the left opened up space for Alyssa Malonson. Still some 40 yards away from goal, Malonson then lifted a perfect cross to the back post for Bennett to latch onto, and the attacker did just that as she soared high to beat her headed effort home and give the visitors the lead.
Portland’s efforts toward a comeback saw chances created in the 70 ^th minute and the first minute of stoppage time as the hosts attempted to find a way back in. First, a pass worked out to the left for midfielder Sam Coffey in the 70 ^th minute then saw her cross the ball with her first touch. Getting on the end of the header was teammate Izzy D'Aquila, but the forward could not direct her shot on frame.
Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Moultrie had one more opportunity at goal with a last-gasp chance. Seemingly her specialty, the talented midfielder again pulled up from just outside the box and stung the hands of the goalkeeper Ivory with a strong shot toward the top left of goal. With no chance to pounce on a loose ball or produce a rebound effort, the Thorns’ hopes were dashed, and they were left without a goal on the evening.
The Thorns have three Challenge Cup matches remaining, with their next one against San Diego Wave FC at home on July 21. Meanwhile, the Reign have just two matches remaining and will also face the Wave next, this time on July 28 at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights