A late equalizer kept Portland Thorns alive in the NWSL standings on Sunday, as the club fought back for a 2-2 draw against Bay FC at PayPal Park. The Thorns played without forward Sophia Wilson, whose two-game suspension for a violent-conduct dismissal against Boston Legacy left Portland shorthanded at a critical point in the playoff race.
Portland Thorns and Bay FC Trade Goals at PayPal Park
Despite the absence, Portland struck early. Morgan Weaver pounced on a botched Bay FC clearance in the 10th minute, firing a quick strike past goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz.
Bay FC leveled before halftime when Caroline Conti slotted home a Karlie Lema cross with no one in her way. Then Kennedy Fuller spun away from her marker on another Lema assist to put Bay FC ahead 2-1.
With time winding down, rookie Caiya Hanks refused to let the scoreline stand. Hanks stayed with the play after her initial effort was blocked. She buried the equalizer late in the second half to keep Portland's postseason hopes intact.
Sophia Wilson Out for 2nd Game in Final Stretch of the Season
The draw moves Portland to seventh place in the NWSL standings, just three points clear of elimination with two games left in regular season play. But Wilson's suspension carries through next week's visit to North Carolina. That means the Thorns must navigate the final stretch without their top offensive threat.
