Portland Thorns FC Academy U-19s and U-17s both continued their winning ways, each picking up victories as the academy teams played host to Placer United SC on Oct. 21 at at 53rd Street Community Sports Park.
The Thorns FC U-19s (2-1-1, 7pts) found two goals inside the final 10 minutes of the match to secure a 2-0 win over Placer United. Ellie Busk broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute, scoring her first goal of the season. Jacqueline Blakeley sealed the win with an 88th-minute goal. Goalkeepers Hailey Coll and Hallie Byzewski combined for the team’s second shutout of the season.
Thorns FC U-17s Academy (2-1-1, 7pts) extended its unbeaten streak to three games, defeating Placer United 3-0. Paige Alexander notched a brace, scoring in the 34th and 64th minutes, to push her goals total on the season to five. Maggie Lacey iced the U-17s’ second straight win with an 80th minute goal – her second of the season. Goalkeepers Kora McCullough and Abbey Knoll split time in goal as the team earned its second straight clean sheet.
The Thorns FC U-15s (1-3-0, 3pts) were handed a 4-0 loss against Placer United.
Andie Buckley and Payton Lawson each scored just four minutes apart – 33rd and 37th minutes, respectively – but the Thorns U-14s suffered a 6-2 loss to Placer United. Their goals helped the Thorns U-14s climb back into the match, trimming the deficit, 3-2, at the time. It was the third goal scored on the season for both players.
