The Portland Thorns traveled to Seattle to play their I-5 rivals on Saturday night in their second matchup with the Reign this season. Portland kept up a solid front but struggled to break down Seattle’s defense, going into the final minutes of the game locked in a scoreless tie. It was a penalty kick from forward Christine Sinclair in the 84th minute that finally put the Thorns on the board at Starfire Sports Stadium, and Portland left with the victory.
Thorns escape with a win in Seattle
The Portland Thorns traveled to Seattle to play their I-5 rivals on Saturday night in their second matchup with the Reign this season. Portland kept up a solid front but struggled to break down Seattle’s defense, going into the final minutes of the game locked in a scoreless tie. It was a penalty kick from forward Christine Sinclair in the 84th minute that finally put the Thorns on the board at Starfire Sports Stadium, and Portland left with the victory.
Sinclair’s goal was her fourth of the season. Portland improved to 6-1-1 in 2013, keeping the team in a tie with Sky Blue FC at the top of the National Women’s Soccer League standings. Seattle, on the other hand, is at the opposite end of the spectrum; the Reign have yet to win a game this season and have only earned one point, making Sinclair’s game-winner especially tough to deal with.
Despite Seattle’s record, the Thorns were put on their heels from the start. The Reign came out aggressively and kept it going into the second half, finishing the game with more shots than Portland. The play was physical throughout, and the Reigns’ defensive strategy was clear: Find a way to stop Alex Morgan. Seattle paid close attention to every move the forward made on and off the ball, which ultimately helped to open things up for Sinclair.
Portland will now move on to play the Chicago Red Stars at Jeld-Wen Field on June 1 but will have to manage without their star forward tandem, who will be adversaries for a day as the United States women’s national team takes on Canada in an exhibition match on June 2. Morgan will join the U.S. squad along with Thorns teammates Rachel Buehler and Tobin Heath, while the Canadian Sinclair will suit up for her home country in Toronto.
The United States and Canada last squared off in the semifinals of the Olympics in 2012. Sinclair was sensational in that game, posting a hat trick for Canada, but it was not enough as Morgan scored the game-winning goal in extra time.
The Thorns’ matchup against Chicago will be the first in a three-game home stand for the club. Portland returns to Jeld-Wen Field to take on FC Kansas City on June 6, followed by another meeting with Seattle on June 16.
