Portland returns to action next Saturday at home against Racing Louisville FC. Kickoff is 4:30pm.
PORTLAND, Oregon (Sunday, March 24, 2024) – Portland Thorns FC (0-2-0, 0 points) suffered a 0-1 loss to Gotham FC in the club’s 2024 National Women’s Soccer League home opener at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon.
Forward Sophia Smith looked to have had the opening goal in the second minute, but she was determined to be offside. In the 15th minute, Gotham’s Esther González received the ball inside the 18-yard-box, attempting a bicycle kick, but Thorns FC goalkeeper Shelby Hogan was able to make the save.
The two sides continued to trade possession throughout the midfield, with neither team truly testing the opposing goalkeeper. Just before the first-half whistle blew, Janine Beckie flicked a header towards goal, but a quick goal-line clearance from Kelly O’Hara miraculously kept it out of the back of the net and sent the two sides into the halftime break scoreless.
Coming out of the halftime break, the Thorns pestered Gotham’s goal, seeking the opening goal. It seemed as if Portland had finally found it in the 61st minute when Smith rocketed a sensational shot into the upper right corner, but after Video Assisted Review the goal was called back due to her being in an offside position.
Despite creating the better chances, it was Gotham who scored the first goal, with González tucking her shot past the goalkeeper in the 72nd minute to give the visiting side the 1-0 lead.
Portland would continue to battle, fighting for the equalizer, but the team was unable to put one into the back of the net, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of Gotham.
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
NJY: Esther González (Yazmeen Ryan), 72nd minute: Ryan sent a cross into the middle of the penalty box where González one-touched a shot up the middle of the goal.
LINEUPS:
Portland Thorns (4-3-3): Shelby Hogan, Marie Müller, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelli Hubly, Reyna Reyes, Olivia Moultrie, Sam Coffey, Jessie Fleming (Hina Sugita 77’), Morgan Weaver, Sophia Smith, Janine Beckie (Christine Sinclair 64’)
Subs not used: Lauren Kozal, Isabella Obaze, Izzy D’Aquila, Meghan Klingenberg, Marissa Sheva, Mallie McKenzie, Olivia Wade-Katoa
Gotham FC (4-4-2): Cassie Miller, Jenna Nighswonger, Tierna Davidson, Sam Hiatt, Kelley O'Hara (Bruninha 66’), Delanie Sheehan, Emily Sonnett, Nealy Martin, Crystal Dunn (Katie Stengel 66’), Esther González, Midge Purce (Yazmeen Ryan 45+4’)
Subs not used: Michelle Betos, Taryn Torres, Ella Stevens, Mandy Freeman, Maycee Bell, Erin McKinney
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
POR: Reyna Reyes (caution) 18’
NJY: Midge Purce (caution) 35’
NJY: Delanie Sheehan (caution) 46’
