Back on the road for a second straight match, the Thorns U-19 Academy ventured North and took home three points from Reign Academy with a 2-1 victory on Nov. 11, at Preston Park in Preston, Wash.
With the win, the Thorns U-19s (3-2-2, 8pts) earned a second straight result on the road, and move into fourth place in the Northwest Division.
After conceding the opening goal to the home side in the 17th minute, Thorns U-19s forward Trinity Paulsen scored twice in the second half, including the game-winner in the 85th minute to secure the win. The two goals were Paulsen’s first of the season.
The Thorns U-17s (3-2-2, 8pts) played the Reign Academy U-17s to a 1-1 draw on the road on Nov. 11. The Reign Academy held a 1-0 lead until late in the contest when defender AllisonWarta delivered the equalizer in the 80th minute, helping Portland earn the away result. It was Warta’s first goal of the season.
The Thorns U-17s have now earned a result in four of their last five games, and currently hold a playoff position in fifth place in the Northwest Division.
The Thorns U-15s (1-6-0, 3pts) were dealt a loss on the road by the Reign Academy U-15s. Forward Gabriella Warta – sister of Allison – got the Thorns U-15s off to a good start with a goal in the 13th minute; her second straight match with a goal. However, Reign Academy responded with five straight goals – including three early in the second half – to record a 5-1 win. Warta paces the team with four goals on the season.
The Thorns U-14s (2-5-0, 6pts) were defeated on the road by the Reign Academy. In similar fashion to the U-15 side, the U-14s found the opening goal early in the match. Midfielder Payton Lawson scored just five minutes into the contest. But the Reign Academy responded by scoring four times in the first half to own a 4-1 lead the break, and would go on to a 6-1 victory. Lawson has scored in back-to-back matches and leads the team with five goals.
Goal-scoring sisters Gabriella (left) and Allison (right) Warta
