HOUSTON, TX – With a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash on Sunday evening the Portland Thorns have secured a first-place finish atop the NWSL standings and have claimed the 2021 NWSL Shield. This is the second time in club history the team have won the award, having won it last in 2016.
The NWSL Shield is the third trophy the Thorns have lifted this year after taking home the Challenge Cup and Women’s International Champions Cup earlier this season. The win also ensures home field advantage for the first semifinal of the NWSL playoffs.
Portland set the tone early against Houston, dominating possession and putting pressure on the Houston backline. A couple shots from Christine Sinclair and Sophia Smith dinged the woodwork, but it was Lindsey Horan who found the back of the net in the 43rd minute. Horan sent a rocket of a shot into the top right-hand corner of the net that left Houston keeper Jane Campbell outstretched and helpless to do anything about it.
The game-winner was Horan’s 25th goal in her NWSL career and she now becomes the third player in Thorns history to reach this mark.
Houston would turn the tide on possession and chances created in the second half, but Thorns keeper Bella Bixby’s five saves on the night secured the shutout for Portland. The Thorns lead the league in clean sheets with twelve on the season.
The Thorns will wrap up the regular season at home on Saturday, October 30th against the North Carolina Courage at 7 pm PST (Twitch).
Houston Dash
Portland Thorns
