“Seesaw affair”: why OL Reign and Houston Dash played out a scoreless stalemate – tactical analysis

The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup is really hotting up now, with the second round of fixtures presenting us with some exciting encounters. One that caught the eye was OL Reign hosting the tournament’s defending champions Houston Dash. OL, so called because they are in the same ownership group as Ligue 1 side Lyon and 2020 UEFA Women’s Champions League winners Lyon Feminin, had not yet played in the Cup, having sat out the first round, whilst Houston’s first match, at home to Chicago Red Stars, had ended in a 0-0 draw. This tactical analysis will look at both sides’ tactics in this match, with OL focusing on creating space and options to move the ball to, whilst Houston looked to play with an organised setup.

Lineups

OL Reign, coached by Farid Benstiti and based in Tacoma, Washington, opted to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation. On-loan Manchester City Women and England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley started between the posts, whilst Spain right-back Celia Jimenez Delgado and Kristen McNabb played as the full-backs. An injury for USA midfielder Allie Long just before kick-off meant that Costa Rica captain Shirley Cruz played in a holding midfield role. Young Brazil international Angelina started in attacking midfield, having originally been named as a substitute. Leah Pruitt and Sofia Huerta played on the wings, with Bethany Balcer leading the line through the middle.

Houston Dash head coach James Clarkson went for the same 4-1-4-1 formation used against Chicago Red Stars, making no changes to his starting XI either. That meant that Lindsey Harris continued in goal, with Jane Campbell away with the USA national team. Haley Hanson and Ally Prisock continued at right and left-back respectively, whilst Gabby Seiler again played between the defensive and midfield ranks. The attacking power in the team came from Shea Groom, who played centrally, whilst former West Ham United Women and Birmingham City Women midfielder Brianna Visalli and Katie Stengel, who is capable of cutting inside from wide positions, played as the wingers. Striker Veronica Latsko again led the line.