HARRISON, NJ – After consecutive 2-1 defeats at the hands of OL Reign and Orlando Pride, the Thorns secured all three points in a road win over NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday. Playing in their third match in eight days, Portland’s defense did just enough to keep a clean sheet while Crystal Dunn provided the game-winner. It was goalkeeper AD Franch’s fourth shutout across all competitions in 2021.
Playing in a rainy Red Bull Stadium, the now permanent home of Gotham FC, the Thorns are unbeaten in their last eight matches against NJ/NY (formerly Sky Blue FC), including their recent matchup in the Challenge Cup Final. It was NJ/NY’s first home defeat this season.
Scoring in the 56th minute, it was Dunn’s first goal since joining Portland this past offseason. Operating from the left side of the pitch, Megan Klingenberg provided the service to Dunn at the top of the box. Dunn was quick to separate from the defense before blasting the ball into the top left corner of the goal.
“It feels really special, obviously, the team played really well,” Dunn said of her debut goal for the Thorns.
“Obviously, getting a win makes the goal feel that much more special, but yes it is my first goal as a Thorn and I’m just really, really happy about that.”
The Thorns offense was active once again, getting 22 shots off against the Gotham FC defense. Portland has recorded 20 or more shots in all four matches this season.
“We’ve taken some blows, we’ve put in great performances and haven’t gotten the results. Today, we put in a performance and got the result, which we needed.” Marks Parsons said.
Despite not scoring a goal of her own, Sophia Smith impressed once again for Portland. Gliding into the box and turning on defenders with ease, Smith created multiple chances and highlights in what is quickly becoming a breakout season for the 2020 #1 overall pick.
After a busy stretch of games the Thorns get a slight break in the action before returning to Providence Park on Saturday, June 5th. Expansion-side Racing Louisville FC will make their first trip to Portland. Kickoff is 7:30 pm PST (Twitch).
