The Portland Thorns blanked San Diego 1-0 on Saturday night, denying the Wave a win in their NWSL home debut.
The visitors got on the board early, with Natalia Kuikka receiving a through ball from Christine Sinclair and one-timing a cross to Sophia Smith, who finished off the build-up play. Smith’s goal put the Thorns up 1-0 in the fifth minute.
Saturday nights are for @sophsssmith goals 😊🎥 @NWSL pic.twitter.com/8agCdZrPQM— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) March 27, 2022
Saturday nights are for @sophsssmith goals 😊🎥 @NWSL pic.twitter.com/8agCdZrPQM
The 1-0 scoreline held despite a late push from San Diego that produced a flurry of chances in the final third.
With the win, the Thorns moved atop the West Division Challenge Cup standings alongside OL Reign.