The Missouri Reign left their hearts out on the field during the team's 2-1 defeat against Junction FC at home. 

After getting into a hole early and finding themselves down 2-0 at the half, the Reign refused to quit. They turned it around in the second half with a quick goal, but couldn't net an equalizer. 

Head coach Dakota Acock was happy with the team's ability to rebound and play better after a tough start.

“It’s frustrating to start slow, not have the intensity needed and get caught early, but we came out and played a much better second half, got a goal and kept pressure on them the entire time,” Acock said. “It’s disappointing we didn’t get the second or third goal to tie or go ahead, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

The teams goal came from Holland Hawkins in the 46th minute

This week the team has been preparing for their next matchup against the Missouri Rush. The matchup is Friday, June 5, and kickoff is at 7:00 at Incarnate Word Academy.

The Reign have been focusing on going back to the basics in practice this week as preparation for the affair. 

“We have played 4 solid halves of soccer so far with our Division I team, and we have had 2 halves we struggled with," Coach Acock explained. “While frustrating, we also know that we are playing better soccer more often than not.”

He notes that the WPSL is a tough league to play in, and that in order to get the desired results this organization is striving for, they must continue to take care of the basics and work on the little things. 

The upcoming contest against the Missouri Rush will be another tough battle. They sit at 0-1 on the season, with the loss coming at the hands of Lou Fusz. 

One squad will secure their first win of the season at the conclusion of the match.

The Reigns mindset for this battle has been on intensity, keeping focused, and having a growth mindset according to coach Acock. 

“We know that every time we step on the field, we have the capability of winning that game. We may be underdogs in some, but we play solid soccer and can hold our own,” Acock said. “We just have to take care of the little things and trust in our game-plan, trust in each other, then go out and execute it.”