ORLANDO, FL – In their second match in four days, the Thorns fell to the Orlando Pride 2-1 Wednesday evening. A replica of their result against OL Reign Sunday afternoon in Portland, it was another frustrating outing for the Thorns. Defensive lapses and another stunning goal from an opposing USWNT star, Alex Morgan this time, sealed Portland’s fate as they now sit seventh in the NWSL table in the early stages of the 2021 season.
Morgan opened things up for Orlando in the 22nd minute after teammate Taylor Kornieck dropped a wonderful ball over the top of the Thorns defense to Morgan inside the box. Morgan let the pass bounce once before smashing it into the top right-hand corner of the net.
On a positive note for the Thorns, Natalia Kuikka had another standout performance, putting forth an energetic effort on both sides of the ball. Kuikka, the Finnish national team defender who joined the Thorns prior to this season, whipped in a dangerous cross in the 42nd minute that provided the equalizer for the Thorns. It was Simone Charley coming to the rescue for the Thorns again, smashing Kuikka’s cross down in front of the keeper with enough power to bounce back up and into the back of the net.
Before fans could fully get back to their seats to start the second half, it was Sydney Leroux capitalizing on a Portland defensive lapse to re-take the lead for Orlando. Thorns’ defender Kelli Hubbly misplaced a routine back-pass to keeper AD Franch in the opening seconds of the second half. Leroux was keen to pounce on the miscue and poked the ball past the line in what would end up being the game-winner.
Portland had their chances – plenty of them, outshooting Orlando 21-12 on the night. It was the quality of the passing and finishing in the final third that ultimately doomed the Thorns.
“It was them making the most of their opportunities and us not quite making the most of ours,” Becky Sauerbrunn said of Portland’s effort.
The Thorns won’t have much time to dwell on back-to-back defeats as they head to New Jersey to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday. Kickoff is at 12 pm PST (Paramount+).
“It’s a marathon not a sprint, so we’re gonna take it game by game.” said Coach Mark Parsons.
