The Missouri Reign face Lou Fusz Athletic at home on Wednesday in the penultimate home game of the season.

The Reign (2-0-4) are coming off a 9-0 shellacking in an exhibition against the KC Current Division II squad on Monday. While not many expected a win by the Reign, given the talent gap the was the game started for the Reign was promising.

All season long they have had problems with starting off games well, surrendering a goal within the first 25 minutes in each of their conference losses. However against the best competition they've faced this season, the Reign did not cede a goal until the 32nd minute. But despite the skill gap, Reign coach Dakota Acock knew that game was a great opportunity for his team to get better.

"The level of play that the Current had was something that we will be able to use to better ourselves for our competition," Acock said. "And that's not disrespect to our competition either in the WPSL, they're really tough teams as well. Anytime that you have a contracted professional step on the field to compete against you, that raises the level completely."

The next step for the Reign is playing solid soccer consistently and for all 90 minutes.

Standing in their way next is Lou Fusz (4-1-0), which is coming off a 5-nil shutout against Junction FC on Saturday. The Reign's offense will need to figure things out in order to upset the visitors. The Athletic have only conceded one goal this season. Names like Georgia Pardalos, Holland Hawkins and Danielle Buker will need to be at their best in the upper third against the staunch Lou Fusz defense.

The Reign will face the top team in the division, so the matchup will be a big challenge. But, coming off the biggest challenge they faced, Acock's squad should be prepared.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at R. Marvin Owens Field, however the two squads first play a non-conference match at 5 p.m.