The Portland Thorns won their first home game of September this weekend, with a 2-0 victory over the OL Reign. This was the first of three home games the Thorns will play in a row to help wrap up their regular season. The Thorns regular season finale is a match on the road against Angel City FC on October 15th.
The pressure was on at Providence Park. Both teams are in a highly contentious race for first place in the NWSL, so earning points in these last few games was important to both squads. However, it was Portland who was finding the golden opportunities. In the 30th minute, the Thorns earned a free kick from just beyond midfield. Sam Coffey would take the kick, and launch the ball into the box. The ball would soar towards the far post, and Rocky Rodríguez would win her positioning battle to get over to the ball. Before it touched the ground, Rodríguez would make contact, and center the ball across the goal area. OL Regin’s Jordyn Huitema was retreating and realized she had an opportunity to clear the ball as it came across the box. However, Hina Sugita read the play and got in front of Huitema’s angle. Sugita’s block would force the ball right into the back of the net, and give Portland the early 1-0 lead.
The Thorns would keep the momentum rolling as well. Four minutes later, the Thorns were back on the press. Rocky Rodríguez and Crystal Dunn connected on a passing play that would set up Morgan Weaver at the top of the box. Weaver, off a one-touch dribble, would then take a shot that would ping off the crossbar and bounce high and center inside the box. Rodríguez would have a chance to shoot as the ball fell towards the top of the penalty arch. However, her shot would be blocked away by an OL Reign defender.
This offensive pressure did lead to a corner kick for the Thorns. Unfortunately for Portland, the corner kick would be cleared away. However, possession would fall right back to the Thorns and they were quick to reengage. A pass outside to Meghan Klingenberg would set up another service inside the box. This time, the OL Reign would get head-on the ball. However, it wasn’t a clean redirect and the ball would loft its way towards the back post. Morgan Weaver was there to strike the ball in the air with a left-footed chip shot that would stay just out of reach of goaltender Claudia Dickey. With her shot, the Thorns would extend their lead to 2-0.
Despite there being plenty of time left in the match, the OL Reign couldn’t generate a lot of high-quality chances. In fact, Portland was finding the better opportunities and nearly found a third goal late in regulation. However, the Thorns would hold on to win 2-0, and Portland goalkeeper Bella Bixby would earn another shutout.
The Thorns’ next game is Saturday, September 30. Portland will play host to the San Diego Wave FC, in a match that could very likely decide who finishes in first place in the NWSL. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Northwest Sports Desk 