OL Reign and Washington Spirit Play to 0-0 Draw in Megan Rapinoe’s Final NWSL Regular-Season Game
The OL Reign and Washington Spirit battled to a 0-0 draw in Megan Rapinoe’s final NWSL regular-season game on Friday. Despite the lack of goals, the match was not without its highlights and records broken. Here’s everything you need to know about the game:
Record-Breaking Attendance at Lumen Field
Lumen Field played host to an impressive crowd of 34,130 fans, setting a new attendance record in the NWSL. The electric atmosphere created by the passionate supporters added to the significance of the occasion and made it a memorable night for all involved.
Claudia Dickey’s Heroics
One of the standout moments of the game came from OL Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. In stoppage time, Dickey made a spectacular save to deny Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit from close range. Her heroic effort ensured that she kept a clean sheet and preserved the draw for her team.
Team Records
With the draw, the OL Reign’s record now stands at 8-8-5, while the Washington Spirit holds a 7-5-9 record. Both teams will likely feel a sense of missed opportunities as they were unable to secure a victory in Rapinoe’s farewell game.
Celebrating Rapinoe
The match was preceded by a lengthy pre-game ceremony to honor Megan Rapinoe, and another celebration was planned for after the game. However, despite the festivities, neither team was able to produce fireworks on the field. The lackluster performance from both sides left fans feeling a little underwhelmed.
Assistance from Racing Louisville FC
In another Friday night match, Racing Louisville FC came from behind to defeat the Orlando Pride, which worked in favor of both OL Reign and the Washington Spirit. The result helped keep the Pride out of the top six, providing a boost for the Reign and Spirit in their quest for playoff spots.
Attendance Record and Its Significance
On a positive note, the OL Reign set a new attendance record with the help of Megan Rapinoe’s farewell celebration and perfect fall weather in the Pacific Northwest. The energy in the stadium was palpable, especially in the latter stages of the game when the Reign had a few promising opportunities to score.
The significance of this record-breaking attendance extends beyond just the game itself. The OL Reign has been in a period of transition, not only due to Rapinoe’s departure but also because the team has been on the market for new ownership for several months. A strong attendance figure like this is crucial in attracting potential buyers and building a sustainable fan base in Seattle.
Conclusion
While the OL Reign and Washington Spirit may have played to a goalless draw, the match was not without its memorable moments. The record-breaking attendance at Lumen Field showcased the growing popularity of women’s soccer and highlighted the importance of creating a sustainable fan base. As Megan Rapinoe bids farewell to the NWSL regular season, both teams will now turn their attention to securing playoff spots and making a deep postseason run.