PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC opened their 2022 Preseason Tournament with a scoreless draw against the OL Reign Saturday evening at Providence Park. Goalkeeper Bella Bixby and the team defense combined for a clean sheet performance.
Seventeen different players featured for Portland in the match including new signing Hina Sugita and 2022 NWSL Draft picks Gabby Provenzano and Natalie Beckman.
Match Moments
8' - CHANCE (POR) - The Thorns thought they had a goal early as forward Hannah Betfort smashed in a loose ball of a corner kick but the goal was waived off following a foul called against Portland.
40' - SAVE (POR) - Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby was in perfect position to corral a hard shot from Reign forward Ally Watt who had broken down the right channel to fire a hard shot.
46' - SAVE (POR) - Shortly after the second half began, Bixby again made a key save to keep the Reign off the score sheet.
71' - CHANCE (POR) - Sprung down the right side, forward Hannah Betfort chipped a ball towards goal that Morgan Weaver headed on frame but the attempt was saved by Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
73' - CHANCE (POR) - Two minutes later, midfielder Yazmeen Ryan found herself with space near the right edge of the 18-yard box and hit a shot that skimmed just over the crossbar.
90+3' - CHANCE (POR) - Forward Sophia Smith and Weaver combined along the edge of the area before playing it out left to defender Natalie Beckman. The 2022 NWSL Draft pick took a swerving shot that Tullis-Joyce was forced to tip just over the bar.
The Thorns will continue preseason tournament play Tuesday, Mar. 8 when they host the U.S. U23s Women's National Team at Providence Park (7:30pm PT, TICKETS). At 5pm PT that evening, the Reign will take on the Chicago Red Stars. Tickets are good for both matches.
Portland Thorns FC vs. OL Reign (NWSL Preseason)
March 5, 2022 – Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Scoring Summary:
None
Misconduct Summary:
OLR: Hiatt (caution), 65
POR: Betfort (caution), 70
OLR: Hammond (caution), 90+2
Lineups
POR: GK Bixby, D Hubly, D Menges, D Sauerbrunn © (Provenzano, 74), D Klingenberg (Beckman, 61), M Kuikka (Nally, 62), M Coffey (Everett, 74), M Rodriguez (Sugita, 78), F Ryan, F Weaver, F Betfort (S. Smith, 74)
Attendance: 8,452
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.
