PORTLAND, OR – The Thorns picked up their third consecutive win in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, dropping rivals OL Reign by a score of 2-0 Wednesday evening. With nine points atop the West standings, the Thorns secured their spot in the Challenge Cup final.
It was an exciting night for the league as star players from both sides returned from international duty to NWSL Challenge Cup action. Crystal Dunn, Lindsey Horan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Christine Sinclair, and Sophia Smith all started in their 2021 NWSL debuts, while Megan Rapinoe came on for OL Reign in the second half.
In a match that saw Portland dominate possession and shot attempts (29), it was Lindsey Horan who struck first for the Thorns in the 17th minute. OL Reign defender Amber Brooks was called for a foul just outside the 18-yard box; a precarious spot for any defense to be in when Horan is the player standing over the ball. Horan’s free kick attempt sailed over the wall of Reign defenders and past an outstretched keeper to find the top left corner of goal for Portland.
It was another strong outing for forward Simone Charley, who doubled Portland’s lead in the opening minute of the second half. Charley zeroed in on a Lindsey Horan rebound with a tidy right-footed finish in front of a riled-up Riveters section. Charley was extremely active in carving through the Reign defense and finished the night with six shots on target before being subbed off in the 69th minute.
In his postgame interview, Mark Parsons highlighted the importance of his team staying sharp in the Challenge Cup:
“We got to stay focused on the process, but this is a really cool night and a very nice finish to what has been an extended preparation period ahead of this season.”
The Thorns will take on last year’s Challenge Cup winners, the Houston Dash, in their next match on May 2nd.
