The Portland Thorns FC Academy teams returned home after consecutive away matches to play host to PSV Union FC on Nov. 18 in the Rose City. The Thorns Academy combined for a 3-0-1 record against PSV Union teams, led by a commanding, 5-0 victory by the U-17s.
Four different goal-scorers chipped in to help the Thorns U-17s (4-2-2, 14pts) to their largest margin of victory and highest goal output of the season in their win against PSV Union U-17s. Forward Jacqueline Blakeley scored twice, finding the back of the net in each half. Forward Paige Alexander opened the scoring with her team-leading seventh goal of the season in the ninth minute. As part of a three-goal second half, defender Kenna Roth tallied her first goal of the season and midfielder Ava Benedetti scored in the 58th minute.
Goalkeeper Kora McCullough earned the clean sheet, the team’s third shutout of the season.
In fourth place in the Northwest Division, the Thorns U-17s have earned a result in five of its last six matches.
The Thorns U-19s (4-2-2, 14pts) shut out PSV Union, 4-0, to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches. Forwards Brooklyn James and Carlie Bateman each scored in the first half. Trinity Paulsen, who scored twice in the team’s last match, scored her third goal of the season early in the second half against PSV Union, while midfielder Emma Treasure capped the scoring in the 80th minute.
Goalkeepers Hallie Byzewski and Hailey Coll each played a half in the shutout.
With back-to-back wins, the Thorns U-19s have moved into third place in the Northwest Division.
The Thorns U-15s (2-6-0, 6pts) defeated PSV Union, 2-1, to claim their second win of the season. Gabriella Warta scored in a third straight match, finding what proved to be the game winner in the 47th minute. Kylah Williams got the scoring started early, finding her third goal of the season just eight minutes into the contest.
Goalkeepers Jordyn Conrad and Abigail Winkler combined for the shutout as the Thorns U-14s (2-5-1, 7pts) picked up a point in a scoreless draw against PSV Union. It was the team’s first clean sheet of the season.
