Portland Thorns win sixth-straight home opener against Orlando Pride

Portland Thorns Win Sixth-Straight Home Opener, Knocking Off Orlando Pride

Ending the first half with a goal from Christine Sinclair, assisted by Horan, in the 39th minute, both sides pressed for a better lead — or a tie.

After the match, Thorns FC Head Coach Mark Parsons praised the efforts of Horan.

“The last two years, when we’re really under pressure, Lindsey has stepped up,” Parsons said. “Sinc does it every game, but Lindsey has stepped up when we really need her. What she’s doing now, she’s stepping up every single game.”

“Today, she was being very influential before they scored and then she just continued being influential in the game.”

Meanwhile, Horan just noted that it’s her “job to get on the ball.”

“I just try to find the game as much as I can as well,” Horan said. “I really wanted to get the team and ball moving and I thought we did a very good job of that in the first half. We lost a little bit of it in the second half, but we were moving and knocking it and I was so proud of some of our players that really showed up and did well.”

However, Portland earned the three points as they begin their hunt for the number one spot in the NWSL. Currently, the spot is held by the North Carolina Courage.

Three Takeaways

Angela Salem question answered: Angela Salem hasn’t been primarily used by Parsons and the Thorns much. However, there is an answer to that. Salem has noted that she is in graduate school and finishing up her first year. When the semester is over, Parsons would be ridiculous to not use her more.

Sorry, Tobin. Horan is there to stay: Tobin Heath was on the bench for the first time in a long time for Portland. Heath has been battling injuries for the last two years. However, her time on the bench might be a bit longer, as Horan has done enough to stay there.

Use some subs, Tom: Tom Sermanni did not use any substitutes for his attacking forwards like Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, and Ubogagu. However, Nadia Gomes sat on the bench ready to go. Sermanni needs to utilize his substitutes. Even his superstars get tired legs.