PORTLAND, OREGON (May 30, 2018) — For the third time this NWSL season, the Portland Thorns have dropped a match at home.
In front of 15,018 fans at Providence Park, the Thorns were taken down by the undefeated North Carolina Courage. Last year, Portland lost only two home matches this entire season.
This year, the Thorns have lost matches against the Courage, Seattle Reign, and Orlando Pride. The 4-1 victory at Providence Park on Wednesday night was the first time that the Courage have ever defeated Portland on their home field.
North Carolina Courage Smash Portland Thorns at Providence Park
North Carolina continued their undefeated streak with four goals in Portland. Lynn Williams opened up the scoring account with a penalty kick goal in the 31st minute. The penalty was conceded by Katherine Reynolds, who would go on to score Portland’s lone goal in the 89th minute.
After halftime, North Carolina’s offense exploded.
In the span of six minutes, North Carolina had three goals scored by Debinha, Williams and Samantha Mewis. The goals occurred in the 58th, 62nd and 64th minutes.
“Everything is forward with their passing and they have 11 players ready to pass and get the ball back,” Parsons said. “It’s a hard-working direct team and it’s tough to deal with that. They’re a very good team playing really well right now and I think it’ll be exciting to get back to a better place with our group and get back at them one more time later in the year.”
11 games unbeaten.
29 points.#NoFinishLine pic.twitter.com/f0OjhyOWcj
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) May 31, 2018
Three Takeaways
- Reynolds hits 100: Celebrating her 100th NWSL match, Katherine Reynolds scored a goal on her big day. However, the goal was overshadowed by her conceding of a penalty, which lined up Williams’ first tally. However, after the match, Reynolds said that hitting 100 matches was a great accomplishment that she’s proud of herself for earning. “I wish it had gone our way tonight,” Reynolds said. “That would have made it a lot more fun, but can’t win them all.”
- Paul Riley gets to 50: While Reynolds celebrated 100 NWSL appearances, North Carolina had their own celebration. Paul Riley is now a member of the 50-wins club in NWSL coaching. However, Riley’s accomplishment makes him the fastest coach to reach 50 victories.
- Rowland earning her stripes: Katelyn Rowland sat back at the beginning of the season in favor of second-year goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. However, D’Angelo’s left ankle sprain has given the reins back to Rowland — and she’s earning her stripes. Rowland made four matches to preserve her sixth victory of the season.
Fastest to reach 50 NWSL regular season wins.
Huge congrats, @prileyfury4life #NoFinishLine pic.twitter.com/a47OZzWJB6
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) May 31, 2018
