Orlando Pride 0, Portland Thorns 2
The Skinny: The Portland Thorns got back to winning ways on Friday night on the road in Orlando, with a 2-nil win over the Pride. Crystal Dunn returned to the field for her first action in nearly a year, after giving birth to her son less than four months ago.
One Key Moment: A beautiful team goal served as the winner for the Thorns. Meghan Klingenberg fed Morgan Weaver down the left flank, who delivered a driven cross to Yazmeen Ryan, who timed her run perfectly. Ryan was able to beat Pride defender Kylie Strom with a deft flick that found the back of the net.
Yazmeen Ryan strikes first for the Thorns! #ORLvPOR | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/NNWBbg4bep
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) September 9, 2022
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) September 9, 2022
Inside the Game: The Portland Thorns produced a complete performance on Friday night to move to the top of the NWSL standings. They now sit tied with San Diego on 31 points, but have a better goal differential (+19, to San Diego’s +11).
Dynamic play on the flank – particularly by Weaver – led to both of the Thorns’ goals. After assisting the first, Weaver led the charge on the insurance goal, as she made a great run from out wide into the penalty area. She was able to cut the ball back inside towards the penalty spot, where it eventually found Hina Sugita for the tidy finish.
The Thorns were able to rest captain Christine Sinclair, who returned just days ago from a long trip to Australia with the Canadian national team.
It was a tough night for the Pride, who were limited by the visitors to just one shot on goal. While the win snapped a two game losing streak for Portland, it consequently extended Orlando’s current losing streak to two, a tough result for a Pride side still outside of the playoff picture. With just four games remaining, Orlando are five points back of the playoff line.
The Goals:
- Portland Thorns — Yazmeen Ryan (Morgan Weaver), 31′
- Portland Thorns — Hina Sugita (Olivia Moultrie), 65′
— Emily Dulhanty
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