The Portland Thorns became Portland Thorns 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Champions on the early afternoon of May 8, after beating NY/NJ Gotham FC at Providence Park in Portland, OR.
It was a nail bitting affair till the very end. The home side dominated much of the play, but Gotham FC surprised with their effectiveness. Portland had the most of the goal chances, but they failed to expand their early lead, after a goal by Christine Sinclair in the 8th minute. That allowed Gotham FC to get back in the game, and on minute 61st, a goal by Carli Lloyd kept the game alive. Gotham FC even had late chance in injury time to win it outright, when Ifeoma Onumonu missed her chance wide.
At the end of the oficial time, the luck of the penalty shoot-out smiled for Portland. First Thorn’s Meghan Klingenberg, then for Gotham, Jennifer Cudjoe, both hit the woodwork. Then Thorns goal keeper Adrianna Franch, guessed Gotham Nahomi Kawasumi’s intentions right, and was able to put a hand for a save. The chance wasn’t missed, and Portland Thorns Morgan Weaver brought the challenge to and end, and the Challenge Cup for the Rose City.
Photos by Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika
