The Olympians are back and making their presence known in the NWSL.
The Portland Thorns defeated Gotham FC 2-1 on Wednesday night to maintain their hold on the top spot in the NWSL standings. Portland has not lost a game since June 26 to the second-place North Carolina Courage.
Sophia Smith capitalized on a Gotham turnover at the 18-yard line to put the Thorns up 1-0 in the 29th minute. Canadian national teamer and Olympic gold medalist Christine Sinclair extended Portland’s lead in the 41st minute, converting a penalty kick to make it 2-0.
Back in Sinc and on the scoresheet ⚽️#PORvNJNY | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/d2CNaJoQoh— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 26, 2021
Back in Sinc and on the scoresheet ⚽️#PORvNJNY | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/d2CNaJoQoh
Carli Lloyd tried to kickstart a Gotham comeback in the 78th minute, drilling a header into the back of the net to bring her side within one. Lloyd, who plans to retire from the sport at the end of this NWSL season and USWNT fall tour, is making the most of her final games.
She ain't done yet and we ain't done yet 👀#PORvNJNY | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/PfUhY6GKXt— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 26, 2021
She ain't done yet and we ain't done yet 👀#PORvNJNY | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/PfUhY6GKXt
Despite Lloyd’s late push, the Thorns hung on and secured the 2-1 win.
The Thorns are now 8-0-2 in their last 10 matches, sitting atop the league with 32 points.
They’ll look to continue their winning ways against the OL Reign on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.