Sophia Smith powers Portland Thorns to Angel City shutout

The Portland Thorns dominated Angel City Wednesday night, downing the visitors 3-0 in front of a home crowd at Providence Park.

Portland put the pressure on early, with Sophia Smith opening up scoring in the 31st minute. The Thorns striker expertly wove through Angel City’s backline before firing off a low shot past DiDi Haracic for the go-ahead goal.

Incase you forgot, @sophsssmith is on fire 🔥@ThornsFC | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/7ClK2wrOIf

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

The second half featured more Portland dominance, with Yazmeen Ryan driving home a deflection from Haracic to double the Thorns’ lead.

First pro goal, know what Yazmeen 😏@yazmeenryan | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/Ak7LLGPOKJ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

Morgan Weaver added her name to the scoresheet in the 77th minute, firing a curler from outside the box to put the game at 3-0.

Weaving and firing 😱🔥@morganweaver_ | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/CkYPh6G00J

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

Portland’s 3-0 rout earns the team three points in the Challenge Cup standings, lifting the Thorns to first in the West Division.