Saturday’s contest between the Thorns and Courage was another closely contested match-up. In fact, three of the previous four meetings had been decided by just a single goal. However, Lynn Williams scored twice inside a 10-minute window to give North Carolina the win on Saturday and continue WakeMed Soccer Park’s status as a haunted ground for the Thorns, who have yet to record a road win at the stadium.
Here are some takeaways from the loss at North Carolina.
New Club Record Set
The Thorns set a new club record for longest consecutive minutes shutout streak at 371 minutes, which spanned from May 26, at Orlando, through to Williams’ first goal in the 57th minute. That shutout run included three consecutive clean sheets (at Gotham FC, vs Louisville and vs. KC NWSL). Goalkeeper AD Franch was in goal for all 371 minutes, setting the single-player consecutive shutout minutes streak as well.
The previous mark: 341 minutes, set back in 2017 (Sept. 2-30). Franch was in goal for that stretch, too.
Chances Were There
Despite the loss, the chances for Portland were there – 14, in fact. The Thorns have recorded at least 14 chances in each of their seven regular-season games thus far.
Entering the weekend, the Thorns led the NWSL in chances created and shots.
Milestone Watch
Franch is approaching an NWSL career milestone – 300 career saves. With four saves against the Courage, the official countdown is on as Franch needs just four more to reach 300.
More on the Thorns night in North Carolina
- RECAP: Courage's Williams scores two to defeat Thorns
- HIGHLIGHTS: Courage top Thorns in close contest
- POSTGAME: Parsons breaks down loss, performance agains Courage
- TAKEAWAYS: Thorns set new club record, Franch nears milestone
- FARLEY: Thorns left assessing lessons after loss to Courage
- POSTGAME: Yazmeen Ryan talks pro, club debut in NC
- POSTGAME: Sauerbrunn assesses defense in loss to Courage
