OL Reign defeat Portland Thorns 2-1 in Cascadia Rivalry

OL Reign snapped the Thorns’ four-game unbeaten streak in Providence Park on Sunday, defeating Portland 2-1.

The action got underway early, with all the game’s goals taking place in the first 15 minutes of play.

The Thorns struck first in the 4^th minute when a whipped-in ball by Crystal Dunn forced Karen Bardsley off her line. The keeper’s batted away block landed favorably for Christine Sinclair, who sent in a chip over Bardsley’s head to put Portland up 1-0.

What a cheeky chip from @sincy12 🤯#PORvRGN | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/bNBjireYho

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) May 23, 2021

Only five minutes later, Megan Rapinoe responded with an equalizing goal off a Reign free kick. The set piece was Rapinoe’s first NWSL goal in 1,047 days.

1,047 days since her last regular season goal, @mPinoe is back in style 🤯#PORvRGN | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/PQ8cco2pnn

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) May 23, 2021

OL Reign pounced again in the 15^th minute when Shirley Cruz tucked in a cross from close range to double her side’s lead to 2-1.

The Costa Rican makes her mark in Cascadia 🇨🇷#PORvRGN | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/GAt7NBuzhB

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) May 23, 2021

The second half featured more back-and-forth play worthy of the league’s premier rivalry, but no goals to show for it. OL Reign managed to keep the score line at 2-1 to solidify a critical away win for the club.

Portland was considered a heavy league favorite going into the Reign matchup, but their loss has shaken up the NWSL standings. After the first weeks of play, there is a four-team tie for first place.

OL Reign will now head home to host the Washington Spirit on May 30. The Thorns will look to bounce back quickly in their game against the Orlando Pride on Wednesday.