The Portland Thorns returned to Providence Park Friday evening to kick off their 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup campaign. Fans, too, made their return to the stadium after over a year away. Although stadium capacity was limited, the sights and sounds of the Portland match-day experience were a welcome relief to players and fans alike.
With a number of starters out of action on Friday due to the international window, the Thorns were forced to put their depth on display. Captain Meghan Klingenberg, operating from the midfield, ignited the Thorns offense early in the 8th minute when her curling free kick found the head of Rocky Rodriguez to take a 1-0 lead.
Forward Tyler Lussi scored Portland’s second goal of the evening after glancing in a pinpoint-accurate cross from teammate Christine Westphal in the 58th minute.
After the second Portland goal, Kansas City maintained a healthy spell of possession and pushed back against the Thorns defense. Amy Rodriguez pulled one back for KC in the 60th minute after cleaning up a poor clearance in front of goalkeeper AD Franch.
The final minutes of the match saw a flurry of red cards, first initiated by a late tackle from Simone Charley in the 90th minute. Head Coach Mark Parsons, clearly unimpressed with the referee’s decision, was shown red for his protest.
Moments later, Portland’s Morgan Weaver and Kansas City’s Kristen Edmonds were involved in a physical altercation near the corner flag which saw both players go to ground. Tempers flared and both players were issued red.
Three Thorns red cards put a slight damper on what was otherwise a joyous return of professional soccer in the Rose City. The Thorns look to carry the momentum of their first win to Chicago, where they take on the Red Stars on Thursday.
