PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC opened their three-game preseason schedule with a 4-0 shutout victory against the University of Portland in front of 1,582 fans on Saturday night at Merlo Field in Portland.
Breaking a scoreless game open in the 70th minute, Thorns FC logged four goals from four players in the final 20 minutes, including three in a six-minute stretch. Midfielder Allie Long tallied the game-winning goal in the 70th minute with a penalty-kick goal.
Thorns FC defender and former Pilots standout Kendall Johnson tallied the final goal of the match in the 82nd minute. Johnson created space with a quick turn in the box before she fired a shot under the crossbar to give Thorns FC a 4-0 advantage.
Minutes after Long tallied the game winner, trialist forward Kelsey Haycook collected a loose ball and finished from close range in the 75th minute. Trialist defender Meredith Speck added the third goal for Thorns FC as she converted the rebound off a long-range shot from Long that was initially saved by Pilots goalkeeper Hanna de Haan.
Thorns FC controlled the possession throughout the match and finished with a 27-0 advantage in shots, including 18 on goal and 11 corner kicks. A total of 17 players saw action for Thorns FC, while 13 different players recorded at least one shot. Forward Jodie Taylor recorded four shots in her first action for the Thorns, putting three shots on frame, while Long tallied a match-high six shots.
Portland continues its preseason preparations for the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League campaign next week with two matches in Tucson, Ariz. Thorns FC face off against FC Tucson Women on Wednesday, March 25 and the University of Arizona on Saturday, March 28; kickoff for both matches is set for 6:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Portland Thorns FC vs. University of Portland (Preseason Match)
March 21, 2015 – Merlo Field (Portland, Ore.)
Goals by Half 1 2 F
Portland Thorns FC 0 4 4
University of Portland 0 0 0
Scoring Summary
POR – Long, 70 (penalty kick)
POR – Haycook, 75
POR – Speck (Long), 76
POR – Johnson, 82
Misconduct Summary
n/a
Lineups & Stats
POR: GK Nadine Angerer (Michelle Betos, 45); D Kendall Johnson, D Courtney Niemiec (D Alyssa Kleiner, 63), D Kat Williamson, D Emily Menges; M Sarah Robbins (M Meredith Speck, 63), M Allie Long, M Sinead Farrelly, M McCall Zerboni (M Taylor Comeau, 72), M Mana Shim (F Kelsey Haycook, 72); F Jodie Taylor (F Sarah Jackson, 63)
Substitutes Not Used: M Kate Bennett
* - indicates trialist
TOTAL SHOTS: 27; SHOTS ON GOAL: 18; FOULS: 0; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 11; SAVES: 0
UP: GK Hanna de Haan; D Alyssa Edenstrom, D Ellie Boon, D Haylee DeGrood, D Ariel Viera, D Devlyn Jeter; M Parkes Kendrick, M Hanna Griffiths Boston, M Noelle Le Prevotte, M Allison Wetherington; F Madeline Dieker
Substitutes Not Used: M Rebekah Kurle
TOTAL SHOTS: 0; SHOTS ON GOAL: 0; FOULS: 0; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 0; SAVES: 14
Referee: Ray Moffatte Jr.
Assistant Referees: Des Miller, Lucas Brooks
4th Official: Corbyn May
Attendance: 1,582
Weather: Partly Cloud, 57 degrees
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.
