The US national players returned and were back in the line-up. As some 22,329 fans were still filing into the stadium, all the World Cup participants were celebrated. Well, all save Ellie Carpenter, who was referred to as Hayley Raso, directly before Hayley Raso was also called…Hayley Raso.
A short speech of sorts was made Heath, in which she made it clear that, World Cup Bump or not, Portland still set the standard. This was clear as the words “Equal Pay” loudly rang out, as the entire stadium chanted it.
The Dash started out the game hard; Raso found herself on the ground in the first minute of the game, but nothing was called. In the seventh minute, Horan struck gold, off a nice little pass from Heath, who in turn had received it from Seiler, who picked it off of Huerta.
In the 12th minute, Raso double the lead when Campbel became entangled in her own defender, allowing the unmarked Australian to clear up the pass and knock it into the net.
In the 18th minute, Amber Brooks, unable to catch up with Purce, took her out from behind, just inside the box, setting up Portland for a penalty. A penalty that Sinclair would convert, despite Campbell diving the right way.
PORTLAND, OR – JULY 24: Portland Thorns 5-0 rout over the Houston Dash at Providence Park on July 24, 2019, in Portland, OR (Photo by Dieog G Diaz).
Franch was first called into action in the 20th minute, however Sonnett was able to guard the ball and guide it into her keeper’s hands.
In the 23rd minute, Raso would score her brace when Campbell came out to challenge Purce, leaving Raso once again unmarked as the Houston defenders struggled, instead, to cover the net.
In the 32nd minute, Horan figured she might as well try for a bike- a combination of Campbell and the crossbar saved it, and in a stroke of brilliance, Campbell also saved Heath’s follow up. Horan almost had one of her famous headers in the 43rd, but it was called offside. Despite this, Campbell made another phenomenal save.
In the 45th minute, the Dash had their first real chance, but a combination of good goalkeeping from Franch, and luck, kept it out. In the 48th minute, Daly had a decent attempt which forced Franch into dive to save it.
Prisock’s handball gave the Thorns a free kick just shy of the box in the 59th minute. Horan and Heath stood, menacingly, over it. Fortunately for the Dash, the kick resulted in a less than menacing ball which soared over the net.
Hardly content to sit on their four goal lead, they subbed in Lussi for Raso, and Foord for Purce, in the 62nd minute. The hordes of Brazilian fans were given their way when, in the 68th minute, Andressinha was, indeed, freed, as Seiler came off.
Chapman was rightfully given a caution card in the 80th minute for shoving Lussi over, with no real attempt for the ball. Lussi was given the last laugh, as she scored on the play from the resulting free kick. Although, the history books will have it marked down as a Campbell own goal.
Campbell managed to snatch the ball right from the jaws of danger in the 87th minute. The keeper will have to feel hard done by, whilst young and not without her own mistakes, the scoreline could have easily been double what it was without her.
The Dash have to figure something out, and figure it out fast. Whilst they came into the second half considerably more together than they had started the match, it was much too little, much too late. This match was their moment to prove something, and while a point was definitely made, it was not exactly the point they were hoping for, as they went home without any. After unleashing their ire on media members on social media, the performance failed to match their fiery words.
Portland themselves will still be finding room for improvement. While their defense did not fail them tonight, one has to wonder if a stronger team still might break through frequently enough to cause trouble.
Portland Thorns
Houston Dash
