Olympique Lyonnais Dominance Continues as they Conquer Angel City FC

Angel City FC played their first 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup group match against OL Reign on Wednesday, April 19.

Angel City FC percussion fans at the NWSL Challenge Cup against OL Reign on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

OL Reign Forward Veronica Latsko keeping the ball away from Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola(R) during their match on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC fan hyping up the crowd during the teams first NWSL Challenge Cup match against OL Reign on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC forward Scarlett Camberos(L) trying to take the ball away from OL Reign defender Lauren Barnes during their match on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe heading the ball during their match against Angel City FC on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

OL Reign forwards Veronica Latsko and Megan Rapinoe awaiting the free-kikc during their match against Angel City FC on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

OL Reign forward Ryanne Brown(L) and Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola(R) racing to the ball during their match on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC keeper Brittany Isenhour diving towards the ball after a free-kick shot by OL Reign player but missing the goal shortly Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC keeper Brittany Isenhour diving towards the ball after a free-kick shot by OL Reign player but missing the goal shortly Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC supporters hyping up fans for the fist NWSL Challenge Cup match against OL Reign Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

OL Reign forward Elyse Bennett(L) heading the ball away from Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden(R) during their NWSL Challenge Cup match on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola(L) falling on top of OL Reign forward Veonica Latsko(R) during their NWSL Challenge Cup on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in BMO Stadium at Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Angel City FC played their first 2023 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Challenge Cup match on Wednesday, April 19 against OL Reign at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Challenge Cup is an annual tournament held by the NWSL to promote Women’s national soccer.

This year's NWSL Challenge Cup will be the first professional women’s soccer tournament held within the regular season. With the new partnership with Ultimate Kronos Group(UKG), a workforce management company, the gap between women’s and men’s payroll will be closed after the increased prize money was doubled from the prior cup tournament, coming to a total of $1 million.

The match started with both teams neck and neck, making it hard for either team to take a lead in the first half. It was made clear this was going to be an intense match between the two squads. By the end of the first half the score stayed locked at zero.

The second half continued with a similar pace to the first. Both sides continually looked for the opportunity to score the first goal. OL Reign found their opportunity when Angel Keeper Brittany Isenhour attempted to pass the ball to teammate but then fumbled the kick and allowed Reign Striker Jordyn Huitema to recover the ball and power it through the net of an open goal on the 64' minute mark.

The next goal came after Reign Striker Megan Rapinoe took a corner kick. This shot made contact with Angel Midfielder Clarisse Le Bihan and went in for an own goal on the 77’ mark giving Reign a two point lead.

OL Reign took the win after defeating Angel City 2-0. The San Diego Waves defeated the Portland Thorns 1-0. This leaves the Group B standings with OL Reign in first, Waves in second, Thorns in third and Angel City in fourth. Angel City’s next home group stage match will be on Wednesday, June 28 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, against San Diego Waves.