The Portland Thorns FC Academy got their first tastes of the Cascadia rivalry, facing Seattle Reign Academy in their second games of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy season on Sept. 16.
The Thorns U-17s (0-1-1, 1pt) earned their first points of the season, playing the Reign U-17s to a 2-2 draw. After Seattle took a lead early in the match, Jacqueline Blakeley pulled the score even, 1-1, scoring in the 38th minute. Paige Alexander then gave the Thorns U-17s a lead in the 71st minute, but the Reign found the equalizer seven minutes later. Both Blakely and Alexander scored their second goals of the season.
The Thorns U-19s (0-1-1, 1pt) received a goal from Emma Anderson as part of a second half comeback, but fell short, 2-1, to the Reign U-19s. Seattle jumped out to a two-goal lead by the 36th minute, but Anderson converted a PK in the 53rd for her second goal on the campaign.
In the other two matches on the day, the Thorns U-14s (0-2-0, 0pts) suffered a 3-0 loss, while the Thorns U-15s (0-2-0, 0pts) were dealt a 4-0 loss by their respective Reign counterparts.
All four Thorns FC Academy teams resume play Saturday, Sept. 30, by playing host to Burlingame Soccer Club at the 53rd Street Community Sports Park.
