SEPT 30. 2017 – PORTLAND, OR: Portland Thorns forward Nadia Nadim scores from the penalty spot during the 3-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars in the last match of regular season at Providence Park (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
With the playoffs assured for both teams, big name players took a seat on the bench, with each coach looking to ensure their stars’ health for next weekend. Taking advantage of Casey Short, Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Christen Press on the bench for Chicago, the Thorns scored in the 2nd minute when Hayley Raso intercepted a bad pass by Chicago keeper Michele Dalton to finish an easy pick off.
In fact there was a general lack of speed and aggression shown by the Chicago starting line-up that looked more like they were trying to get comfortable with each other on the field rather than making viable attempts on goal. On the other side, the Thorns bench remains one of the deepest in the league, with players used to the different combinations due to the absence of several national team players throughout the season.
Chicago once again opened up in the back and suffered for another bad clear. Red Star defender Sarah Gorden attempted to head the ball out but instead sent it straight to Ashleigh Skykes who popped it just left of the Chicago keeper to put the Thorns up two-nil.
SEPT 30. 2017 – PORTLAND, OR: Chicago Red Stars defender Samantha Johnson being tended after a mid-air collision with Portland Thorns midfielder Hayley Raso (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
Just a few moments later there was a scary moment between Hayley Raso and Samantha Johnson who collided while going for a ball. Johnson stayed down for several minutes before getting up and heading to the bench with what can only be described as a dazed expression on her face. This left the Red Stars with no choice but to use an early sub and put in Danielle Colaprico in the 21st minute.
In the 25th minute Arin Gilliland earned Chicago the first yellow of the night with a push to the back on Raso who went face first to the turf. The Red Stars second Yellow of the night went to Lauren Kaskie in the 33rd minute after dragging down Raso in midfield. Amandine Henry would earn Portland’s only yellow in the 42nd after a tackle from behind on Stephanie McCaffrey.
SEPT 30. 2017 – PORTLAND, OR: Chicago Red Stars defender Arin Gilliland is shown a yellow card after a bad foul on Portland Thorns midfielder Hayley Raso (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
The first half would end with Portland having 14 shots on goal to Chicago’s 2, the last of which came off a header by Nadia Nadim that would go just inches wide of the goal, sending the crowd into an uproar of appreciation.
Another round of cheers erupted at the start of the second half with the long awaited return of Tobin Heath. In fact head coach Mark Parsons used all three of his subs right away, while subtly highlighting the depth of the Thorns bench. Allie Long and Dagný Brynjarsdóttir also entered the game, allowing Hayley Raso, Amandine Henry and Meghan Klingenberg a rest.
Heath, looking a little rusty, remained a crowd favorite. Which was made obvious through the enthusiastic boos directed toward the referee for any call going against her. However Chicago would start to gain some momentum late in the game.
Seconds after a shot on goal ricocheted off the Thorns’ crossbar, Chicago would score their first and only goal of the night in the 71st minute when Sofia Huerta fought for the rebound and hit it just out of the reach of an outstretched Adrianna Franch.
SEPT 30. 2017 – PORTLAND, OR: Portland Thorns midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdóttir rises above during the 3-1 vicotry of the Portland Thorns over the Chicago Red Stars (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
Directly following the score, Christen Press enter the game, which added dangerous speed to the Red Star attack. In the 76th Franch was tested by Press who sent a ball center. Franch was able to get in front, popping the ball up and then safely cradling it, smothering the Chicago run.
In the 82nd a penalty would be called for the Thorns after Allie Long was pulled off the ball in the box. Nadim stepped up, with the crowd on their feet, to put the Thorns up 3-1 in the 83rd. This score seemed to send a shot of energy through Portland, who stepped up their attacks, testing Dalton over 22 times before the final whistle was blown.
With the knowledge that the two teams will be heading into the playoffs next week, it was clear that Chicago was holding back. Their major players, including their starting keeper, were not out on the field. While the Thorns dominated the match, they dominated Chicago’s second line, meaning the Red Stars next opponent will have to rely on past game footage when creating their game strategy for the playoffs.
Post-game, the stadium filled with the sound of the Riveters chanting as the team climbed the platform to join their faithful followers in celebration. The Thorns enter the post season sitting in second place, with the strength and depth that could easily send them into the finals. However, they first have to get past their next match.
If you’re not lucky enough to be at Providence Park on October 7th for the semi-final, it will also be broadcast live on Lifetime, with kickoff at 12:30 pm PST.
PORTLAND THORNS FC: #24-Adrianna Franch; #2-Katherine Reynolds, #16-Emily Sonnett, #4-Emily Menges, #25-Meghan Klingenberg (#10 – Allie Long 45th), #7-Lindesy Horan, #9 Nadia Nadim, #28-Amandine Henry (#11 – Dagný Brynjarsdóttir 45th); #14-Ashleigh Sykes, #12-Christine Sinclair (C), #21-Hayley Raso (#17 – Tobin Heath)
CHICAGO RED STARS: #18 – Michele Dalton; #14-Sarah Gorden, #5-Katie Naughton, #16-Samantha Johnson (#24-Danielle Colaprico 21st), #3-Arin Gilliand, #4-Alyssa Mautz, #30 Lauren Kaskie, #10-Vanessa DiBernardo #23- (Christen Press 72nd), #7-Taylor Comeau, #19 Summer Green (#11-Sofia Huerta 59th), #9-Stephanie McCaffrey
Portland Thorns
