Unpacking Bethany Balcer: The Engine Behind OL Reign’s Attack
Bethany Balcer has emerged as one of the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) elite centre-forwards, providing OL Reign with a dynamic blend of hold-up play, tactical intelligence, and consistent goal contributions. As a focal point in possession and out, her impact on Reign’s attacking and defensive schemes is undeniable—especially in the modern era where versatility is prized. This analysis explores what makes Balcer not just an exemplary “target forward,” but one of the most complete strikers in the league today.
Bethany Balcer’s Role as a Modern Target Forward
Within OL Reign’s setup, Balcer operates as a classic target forward with a modern twist. Traditionally, target strikers are expected to dominate aerial duels and serve as outlets for direct passes and crosses. Balcer excels in this area—winning 65% of her aerial competitions this season, thanks to her 5-foot-9 frame and excellent leap timing.
However, her influence extends well beyond duels in the air:
– OL Reign often target her with long balls and crosses, knowing she turns these opportunities into advanced possession.
– Her movement is not limited to central spaces; she stretches defenses, either pulling wide to aid in combinations or dropping deep to destabilize opposing lines.
– She thrives with her back to goal, serving as a reliable link to midfielders and attackers moving beyond her.
Statistically, Balcer has recorded 3 goals and 2 assists in ten matches—a striking return that places her at the top of the team’s offensive metrics. Yet, her ability to bring teammates into play often puts the likes of Jess Fishlock and Rose Lavelle into prime scoring positions, amplifying OL Reign’s overall attacking threat.
Technically Gifted and Tactically Intelligent in Possession
Balcer’s technical proficiency is at the heart of OL Reign’s ball progression. Rarely static, she’s actively involved in orchestrating attacks, whether receiving on the turn, playing quick combinations, or acting as a pivot to invite third-run movements. Her heatmap demonstrates extensive coverage, showing heavy involvement both deep and inside the penalty box.
Key attributes of her in-possession influence include:
– Fluid movement across the front line, ensuring available passing angles for teammates.
– Consistency in dropping to the ball side during throw-ins, using her strength to secure first contact and then quickly recycle possession.
– Vision and decision-making, as seen in her ability to spot and execute progressive passes for onrushing teammates.
Especially with the arrival of Jordyn Huitema, Balcer has elevated her goal-scoring rate, proving her value not only as a creator but increasingly as a reliable finisher.
Movement and Combination Play: Creating Space for Others
Balcer’s off-the-ball intelligence fuels OL Reign’s most dangerous sequences:
– She often shifts laterally to match the direction of play, drawing defenders out and opening up central lanes for co-attackers.
– Her back-to-goal play draws defensive pressure, letting creative midfielders slip into pockets behind the opposition’s midfield.
– She’s instrumental in enabling “third-player” runs, intelligently laying off quick passes to teammates who then exploit the space created by her movement.
Jess Fishlock, for example, has repeatedly benefited from Balcer’s decoy runs and well-timed drop-offs, finding open channels for scoring opportunities. Rose Lavelle likewise enjoys increased freedom as Balcer’s movement manipulates defensive structures.
Penalty Box Prowess and Goal Contributions
Inside the area, Balcer shifts from creator to finisher. Her awareness of spaces between defenders, combined with her ability to play off the shoulder of opposition centre-backs, makes her a constant threat. Quick changes in direction, deceptive runs, and decisive finishing round out her attacking arsenal.
Her season tally of three goals and two assists highlights not just her finishing skills but her overall influence, as many OL Reign attacks are channeled through her feet or movements, regardless of the end result.
Defensive Engagement and High Press Leadership
Balcer’s contribution isn’t limited to offensive phases. She is essential to coach Laura Harvey’s out-of-possession strategies, frequently leading the frontline press with tenacity and precision.
– She expertly positions herself to press centre-backs, while also screening passes into defensive midfielders.
– Balcer’s constant scanning and awareness allow her to time pressure when the ball is played back to the goalkeeper or drawn into vulnerable areas.
– OL Reign’s pressing shapes, whether a structured 4-2-3-1 or a more aggressive 4-2-4, are anchored by Balcer’s energy and discipline.
Her pressing triggers force opponents into predictable errors, contributing significantly to Reign’s impressive average of 15.6 tackles won per game. Moreover, she contributes defensively on set-pieces, leveraging her height and timing to clear opposition threats.
Tactical Adaptability: Pressing in Multiple Schemes
OL Reign are noted for their flexibility in pressing structure and intensity. Balcer adapts seamlessly across different schemes:
– When maintaining a 4-2-3-1, she initiates the first line of pressure, ensuring compactness while allowing others to cover the gaps if she’s pulled wide.
– In higher blocks that resemble 4-2-4 or 3-3-4 shapes, she coordinates with the midfield to funnel play and isolate key targets, allowing for aggressive counter-pressing and quick transition opportunities.
– Her discipline enables OL Reign to always have an outlet upfield once possession is regained, maintaining attacking fluidity.
Conclusion: A Complete Centre-Forward Shaping OL Reign’s Destiny
Bethany Balcer stands out as more than just a scorer for OL Reign—she embodies the complete centre-forward. Her blend of hold-up play, technical ability, spatial intelligence, and relentless defensive work makes her indispensable both when building attacks and regaining control. With a continued focus on both scoring and team play, she is poised not only to help Reign achieve success domestically but also to bolster her candidacy for greater international recognition.
From leading the line and facilitating intricate moves to sparking OL Reign’s pressing game, Bethany Balcer’s presence ensures OL Reign remain contenders in every phase of play. As her career trajectory rises, she is increasingly setting the standard for what a modern NWSL striker can be.
