OL Reign strengthened its hold on a NWSL playoff place and entrenched Gotham FC near the bottom of the table with a commanding 4-1 win at Lumen Field on Sunday behind some inspirational play from Megan Rapinoe. The 37-year-old was heavily involved in all four Reign goals and finished two herself.
In the 15th minute, Rapinoe's quick throw-in acted as the assist for Rose Lavelle's third of the season.
Shortly before halftime, Rapinoe earned a converted a penalty to make it 2-0.
Rapinoe then effectively called match in the 69th minute with her third goal in eight appearances this season.
Three minutes later, Taylor Smith pulled one back for Gotham with a precise finish from 18 yards out.
Rapinoe helped restore the Reign's three-goal advantage just one minute later with a cross that Gotham's Mandy Freeman headed into her own net.
Rapinoe came off in the 75th-minute to a standing ovation. Tobin Heath, making her fifth appearance since signing, played the second 45 for OL Reign.
