PORTLAND, OR – The Thorns pushed their unbeaten streak to five games Sunday afternoon at Providence Park, shutting out visiting Kansas City by a final score of 2-0. Two first-half goals and a stingy defensive effort ensured Portland would remain atop the NWSL standings (8-3-1, 25 points).
With key players still away at the Tokyo Olympics, the Thorns again relied on their depth and a voluminous Providence Park to push forward in the NWSL regular season.
Goalkeeper Bella Bixby once again left little doubt that she is more than capable of leading the Thorns defense in the absence of AD Franch. Bixby notched her fourth shutout in five matches and even had the opposing team applauding her eye-catching save in the 6th minute.
In the 10th minute, the Thorns would strike first, courtesy of a recent Chicago Red Stars phenomenon. Meghan Klingenberg and Sophia Smith combined for some great 1-2 play down the left side with Klingenberg returning the ball back toward Smith in a crowded box. KC defender Kristen Edmonds attempted to clear, but the end-result was an own goal and Portland seized control early.
Sophia Smith would again be instrumental in creating chances shortly before halftime. In the 42nd minute Smith operated from a short corner to put a dangerous cross in. Marissa Everett was first to the ball, re-directing it with a touch off her thigh to the back of net to make it 2-0.
Coach Mark Parsons said of Smith’s performance:
“She was a constant threat; constant danger and you add in all the high energy pressing that she does for us. So, we pat her on the back, we say ‘well done’ and then we also look at areas that we can slightly improve.”
Although it was the third meeting between the two sides this season, KC has made a number of roster changes recently. Parsons noted:
“KC are a completely different team… The last two times they’re aggressive, they’re attacking, they’re brave, and they put us under lots of pressure. Today, they did the same, however, the frontline of Jenkins, Hamilton, and Mace is extremely dangerous, and we probably faced the most dangerous team that we have faced for multiple weeks now.”
Next up, the Thorns hit the road to face the Washington Spirit on Saturday, August 7th at 4:30 pm PST (Paramount+).
Portland Thorns
Kansas City
