Portland Thorns booked a spot in the Women’s International Champions Cup, downing Houston Dash in the penalty shoot out in the second semifinal. The home team won the day after a dramatic come back from a 2-0 deficit in the first half.
Houston got ahead with two goals from Shea Groom (17′ and 41′), and looked solid come the end of the first half. The second 45 minutes brought a hungry Thorns and with a brace from Natalia Kuikka (51′ and 58′), things were left to be resolved from the penalty spot, as this championship does not allow overtime.
The stunning performance of goal keeper Shelby Hogan, stopping three out of the four attempts by Houston Dash, made her the deserving player of the night. The Portland Thorns move on to the final, on Saturday August 21st at 7:10 PM they will play the Olympic Lyonnaise for all the marbles, preceded by the third and fourth place at 4;30 PM match between FC Barcelona and the Houston Dash.
