Sophia Smith’s goal lifts Thorns to first-ever win in North Carolina

The Portland Thorns held onto their spot atop the NWSL table, defeating the North Carolina Courage 1-0 on Sunday.

Sophia Smith scored the game’s lone goal in the 57^th minute, slotting in a lofted ball from Christine Sinclair. Smith’s sixth goal of the regular season makes her Portland’s leading scorer.

Sophia ends the streak‼️#NCvPOR | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/FS3NP1Prdc

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 12, 2021

Smith’s second-half goal snapped the Courage’s shutout record of 546 consecutive minutes and halted their seven-game unbeaten streak.

And the shutout streak ends at 546 minutes on some surprising indecision from Casey Murphy. Sophia Smith scores a big goal for Portland in North Carolina. #NWSL

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) September 12, 2021

The win was the Thorns’ first ever against the Courage in North Carolina.

Next up: Portland will play Chicago on Sept. 25. The Courage will travel to New Jersey on Sept. 25 to face Gotham FC