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NWSL Season Preview 2023: The endless talent of OL Reign

By Oliver Hunt

Oct 1, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign players pose for a team photo after defeating the Orlando Pride at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign players pose for a team photo after defeating the Orlando Pride at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports /
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OL Reign are looking to snag another shield and finally bag their first championship win. They’re a top-notch team with all the right keys to success if they can find their groove quicker this year they’ll be serious contenders for the top of the table. 

The Reign have been a part of the NWSL since its founding and have had a history of success in the league. Representing the Pacific Northwest out of Seattle, they’re home to the oldest rivalry in the NWSL (Cascadia, made up of the Reign and the Thorns) and have a roster pool as deep as the Pacific Ocean they reside next to.

They won the shield back-to-back in 2014 and 2015, under the guidance of head coach Laura Harvey who returned to the club in 2021. Harvey led the team to yet another shield win in 2022 and became the winningest coach in NWSL history. But despite all their success, they have never managed to win a championship. Could they finally fill their missing spot in their trophy case this year?

OL Reign’s projected starting XI:

When people describe the OL Reign bench as deep, they’re not exaggerating. Their starting line could have endless combinations and still be successful, so predicting just one best 11 is hard. But here’s an educated guess as to who might start the Reign’s first game of the season when they take on the Washington Spirit at Audi Field on March 26. This starting lineup is based on the most recently released preseason roster.

Goalkeeper: Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Defenders: Sofia Huerta, Alana Cook, Sam Hiatt, Lu Barnes

Midfield: Quinn, Nikki Stanton, Rose Lavelle

Forwards: Bethany Blacer, Megan Rapinoe, Jordyn Huitema

OL Reign’s Most Important Player: Rose Lavelle

This squad has crazy depth, their bench is entirely stacked with talent. But there are still standout players on a roster full of stars. There can be arguments made for most people on this team to be the most important player, but this title belongs to Rose Lavelle.

She’s already had a strong showing with the national team this year when she led the USWNT to victory with a brace in their second game against New Zealand. She was out for injury during most of the SheBelieves cup but came on in the final game and managed to tally an assist to Mallory Swanson’s goal. With her incredible footwork, she’s constantly outplaying defenders and creating amazing chances for her teammates.

She does the same excellent work with her club team as she does with the national team. She led the midfield with 22 interceptions during the OL Reign 2022 season. She also led the midfield in scoring, tallying five goals over the course of eighteen games played. Her incredible playmaking skills and tactical eye make her the most important player for the Reign.

OL Reign’s best case scenario for the 2023 Season: Winning it all

The Reign are looking for a repeat, they want another shield in their possession. And ideally, they’d like to accomplish that without it being dependent on Gotham tying the Thorns. But even more important than that at this point is the championship. OL Reign have been seemingly knocking on the championship door for the past ten years and consistently falling short. This team is dangerous and overflowing with talent, making it entirely possible that their best-case scenario is finally earning that championship trophy this year.

OL Reign’s predicted finish: Second in the standings

The NWSL will be exceptionally competitive this year, and is likely to provide a similar level of chaos to last season regarding standings. That being said, the Reign are serious contenders for the trophy. However, taking into account everyone else’s offseason moves the Reign are going to have to work even harder this year to make the playoffs. Their 2022 season really only kicked into gear during the second half, and they’ll have a lot of players missing due to world cup obligations. OL Reign will likely finish second in the standings and make it to the championship game but end up losing for a final finish of second place.

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