Portland Thorns win Women’s International Champions Cup on late goal

The Portland Thorns took down Lyon, 1-0, to capture the Women’s International Champions Cup in Providence Park on Saturday night.

We love trophies. 🏆 #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/HPi8JSxM55

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) August 22, 2021

In the first half, each side worked to dictate possession and build out of the back.

The Thorns’ offense took some time to click, drawing eight offsides calls throughout the match. Sophia Smith ran at Lyon’s backline, creating solid chances in the final third, but was unable to convert.

Lindsey Horan, Crystal Dunn and Christine Sinclair all subbed in at the start of the second half, taking the pitch for Portland for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics. After the break, the Thorns committed to a high press, putting pressure on Lyon right from the whistle.

Portland’s moment finally came in the 87^th minute. Morgan Weaver got on the end of a lofted ball from midfield and slotted in a shot from a tight angle to put the Thorns up 1-0 with minutes left to play.

MORGAN WEAVER’S #WICC2021 WINNING GOAL FOR @thornsfc! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/SmefGDQihM

— Women's International Champions Cup (@iccwomen) August 22, 2021

Weaver’s late-game finish sealed the victory over Lyon and the Thorns’ first Women’s ICC title since the tournament began in 2018.

“It shows that we can compete with anyone and we’re so ready to,” Weaver said after the win.

The Thorns add the ICC trophy to their 2021 Challenge Cup title. Portland now turns to the back half of the NWSL season in first place and as favorites to win the NWSL championship.