Sophia Smith, Mal Pugh trade goals in Thorns-Red Stars draw

The Portland Thorns and Chicago Red Stars played to a 2-2 draw Saturday, with USWNT forwards Sophia Smith and Mallory Pugh inking their names on the scoresheet.

Pugh kicked off the back-and-forth affair, putting her side up 1-0 in the fifth minute in a stunning individual effort. Charging at Portland’s backline, Pugh beat her defender before letting off a clinical finish.

.@MalPugh and the @chicagoredstars are off the races. 🏎#CHIvPOR | #MKOT pic.twitter.com/uCdUzLUrri

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 29, 2022

Portland responded just one minute later with Hina Sugita firing a shot off a poor clearance by the Red Stars, converting on the Thorns’ corner kick.

.@hina_0_8_2 with a quick answer! 😮#CHIvPOR | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/1PcTba0fwH

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 29, 2022

Chicago reclaimed their lead in the 20^th minute, with Rachel Hill getting in behind Portland’s defense to one-time the ball past the Thorns’ keeper.

The @chicagoredstars are 🔙🔛🔝 as @r_hill3 opens her account on the year!#CHIvPOR | #MKOT pic.twitter.com/2CG8CNJ0GN

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 29, 2022

The Red Stars’ lead lasted only until the 47^th minute, with Sophia Smith notching the equalizer off a set-piece. Controlling a bouncing corner, Smith volleyed the ball over Alyssa Naeher to put the game at 2-2.

.@sophsssmith with the acrobatic flick and finish to pull level 👀#CHIvPOR | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/5kJJWM9MrT

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 29, 2022

Saturday’s tie puts Portland’s record at 1-3-1 on the season, while Chicago logs a 2-1-1 start.