Portland win crucial game In bid to host playoff game

PORTLAND, OR – The yoga class taking place at Providence Park ended just as Thorns fans began to line up outside of the stadium. With mats securely tucked under their arms the yogis exited the stadium to wind their way through a sea of red and black. Lululemon and Rivetor gear mingled momentarily until only the supporters were left. This is Portland, a city that does not need to fight for the label of “Soccer City” simply because no other city in the United States supports the NWSL like this.

Over 17,000 fans crowded in to watch as their team fought for a chance to host a playoff game. Sitting second in the NWSL standings a victory would mean added separation from Chicago, currently in third place, nipping at Portland’s heels.  The tifo that sprawled behind the Riveters section aptly described what this was, “crunch time”.

Boston, leading the league in goals allowed and eight spots behind Portland in the standings, was given little rest coming to the Rose City in the midst of a grueling three game schedule in the span of a week. With impressive individual efforts by players like Stout, King, Schoepfer, Mewis and Engen, the Breakers put up a fight. Eventually though, their legs would give out.

With the first twelve minutes being a mix of muddled plays that barely left the midfield, the break through goal came in the 14th minute off of a calculated ball sent in by Nadia Nadim. A masked Emily Sonnett would get a slight touch on the ball and cause enough confusion in front of the goal to distract the Breakers back-line from noticing a charging Sinclair who calmly tapped it to the back of the net.

Throughout the first half Boston dueled, created chances, and frustrated an attacking Portland. A chorus of boos echoed through the stadium in the 21st when a flying Raso sent the ball through to Horan who put it past Boston keeper Libby Stout, only to see the flag on the sideline had been raised. The boos intensified when the replay was shown, only validating what the crowd already knew. This would not be their last protest against questionable calls throughout the night.

On the other end, Portland keeper Michelle Betos came up big to deny a breakaway shot by Natasha Dowie in the 25^th. Although Betos would only be credited for two saves, they were two big saves that kept Portland in control of the game. With an even back and forth between the two teams, the second goal would be the result of temporary chaos in the Breaker’s box.  With three defenders surrounding her, a falling Horan would try and send a ball through to center, catching a Boston arm on its way. Horan’s hands flew up at the same time the whistle was being blown for a Portland penalty. Nadine would step up to send the ball lower right, easily past Stout.

However, the first half would end in uncertainty. A 2-0 lead is known as one of the most dangerous in soccer and the Thorns needed at least one more to truly take over the game. That goal would come from Thorns’ midfielder Allie Long just as the second half got underway.  With Sinclair attacking down the right side and sending it center, Nadim stepped over the pass to let it go through to a wide open Long who finished it, giving Portland the buffer they needed. The goal came directly in front of the Riveter section, sending them into a loving fury of scarf twirling, jumping and chanting amidst the red smoke. From here, it became a showcase of foot skill and teamwork from the Thorns, clearly in control of the match.

 

Nadia Nadim would extend her title as top Thorns goal scorer, adding three more to the tally by the time the final whistle blew. Her second came on a through ball by Allie Long, setting up a one on one between Nadim and Stout with Nadim calmly going around the keeper and putting it in. With a thump of the chest and arms raised toward the Riveters, it was clear, this was her game. Her hat trick would come in stoppage off a Heath shot that was well saved by Stout. Nadim tangled in the air with defender Kylie Strom to win the rebound and head it in, both falling hard and staying down after the goal. With an apparent cramp, Nadim laid smiling while her teammates stretched her leg and the crowd screamed her name.

Boston did pull one back from Portland in the 84th, with defender Julie King muscling her way to a goal. King was the first athlete to earn the Prost Eisen Frauen award for just this type of play. While Boston sits at the bottom of the table, the quality of their players and of their fans can not be overlooked. Breaker fans have come out this season, with attendance averaging 1,000 more per game than last year, in spite of disappointing results. Head coach Matt Beard has the team in a position to mount a come back next season, with well organized play that has them looking good, just not good enough to overtake the rest of the field this year.

Almost in defense of Boston, Thorns head coach Mike Parson’s along with standout forward Christine Sinclair made a point to mention not only how well coached Boston was but also how tough a schedule they’ve had. Coaches and athletes were both signaling the Breakers will be back.

In a quick turn around, Portland will face the Houston Dash this Wednesday at home. In a post game interview Parsons made it clear they are now focused on beating Houston, a team that has been hot lately. “Emotionally we have to detach from this game now. Full focus on Houston, what we can be to make sure we keep them quiet and slow them down, cuz they’re looking great.” Houston tallied seven goals in the last two games, with Dash forward Kealia Ohai making a name for herself. Parsons went on to say, “I know there’s a lot of gaps on that team that we can hurt and get after. I think the first part is making sure that their dangerous players, that have been dangerous, we keep them quiet. It starts with keeping them quiet and then imposing our game.”

In what will be another crucial game, the Thorns will need a win to ensure they host a playoff game this season. Kickoff is at 7pm, tickets still available at Providence Park box office.