Despite two losses to open the season, the Missouri Reign have been competitive in both matches. A 4-2 loss to the No. 16 ranked team in the country, FC Pride, is a moral victory (if you’re a believer in such a thing). The second half of both games has been when the Reign (0-0-2) seem to start to hit their stride. 

Last year’s team lacked a true number one option offensively, however new acquisition Holland Hawkins looks to change that and be the top option this year. Her two goals, both in the second half, have been the entire offense for the Reign this season (0-0-2). This will likely have teams focusing a lot on her.

“Holland obviously will attract a lot of attention,” Reign coach Dakota Acock said. “So, we’re hoping to use that to our advantage and hopefully get some of our other players involved too.

Acock knows relying on one individual to score all the goals is not a recipe for success. He believes his team has the talent to make sure that they have multiple scoring threats on the field at all times.

The Reign next play their home opener against Junction FC (0-0-2). Last season, Junction finished second in the Gateway Division with a 5-3-2 record. It is coming off a 7-0 loss to Lou Fusz on May 21 and followed that up with another 7-0 defeat to Peoria City (1-0-2) on Wednesday. Now the Urbana, Illinois squad must face the Reign in its third of four consecutive road matches to start the season. Coach Acock shared his excitement for the home opener.

“I look forward to playing another quality opponent,” coach Dakota Acock said. “I think the conference we play in is one of the best, the region too, so to have another test to see how much we have grown this week would be huge.”

The Reign look to defend home field against Junction FC. Kickoff is set for 5 pm Saturday at R. Marvin Owens Field at Columbia College.