The Portland Thorns achieved a commanding victory against Angel City FC in one of its best performances of this 2022 NWSL Regular Season. Thorns defender Kelli Hubly opened the score board in minute 15th finishing an assist by forward Sophia Smith. Three minutes later Thorn’s forward Christine Sinclair doubled the lead assisted by midfielder Hina Sugita who had yet another superb performance. After the 2-0, Thorns seemed to cede the initiative of the game to Angel City FC, but remained very dangerous in the counter.
Second half had the same rhythm, with Angel City pushing hard, and the Portland Thorns defending soundly, and looking very dangerous in the attack. The speed and quality of Sophia Smith, linking with Sugita and Sinclair, made it look more likely that the next goal would be for the local side. In minute 68, that threat came true and Christine Sinclair would finish and assist by Janine Beckie to score her second goal, and the third and final goal of the match.
This result leaves Portland in third position in the race for the play offs, and in three points distance with the leader, San Diego Wave. While Angel City with the same points, and a -2 goal average, sits fifth in the table, in play off area. Next the Portland Thorns will be traveling to Southern California to face San Diego Wave on Wednesday June 8th, while Angel City will be hosting Houston Dash at the Bank of California stadium in LA.
