
Report: Former Portland Thorns employees detail ‘toxic’ workplace
A report from The Oregonian details claims of a toxic work environment.
9,415.
On August 18th, 2019, Sky Blue FC hosted Reign FC in what will go down in history as the first of many home games at their new stadium, Red Bull Arena. A record-shattering crowd packed the stands on this summer afternoon, and their presence during pre-game made it feel like a win far before the first whistle was even blown.
A team that spent 90% of their previous home games at a field that didn’t have showers, held only around 5000 people, and lacked any connection to public transportation, was finally playing in a stadium that could offer the world-class soccer experience that they very much deserved.
The match was tight. A playoff-intensity vibe of 9000+ screaming fans carried throughout the entire duration of play. And in the 36th minute, all that raw emotion erupted when rookie Kenie Wright put a perfectly placed ball into the box for Elizabeth Eddy, who finished with a clever touch over the outstretched reach of opposing goalie, Casey Murphy.
This goal was much more than just a number on a scoreboard. It was the start of a new era, a sign that the future of this team was changing for the better. And despite Reign FC’s quick response — a goal punched in by Jodie Taylor just 2 minutes later — in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t matter. The game ended in a 1–1 draw, but the fact that this game was even played is a win for the future of the sport.
Sky Blue’s new stadium is a monumental step in the right direction — one that should have come much earlier. However, things are finally trending upwards for this club. And when the 2020 NWSL season resumes, they will finally have a place to call home.
A report from The Oregonian details claims of a toxic work environment.
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Menzies replaces Scott Parkinson as interim head coach.
The Reign will honor Olympique Lyonnais at halftime of their game Sunday.
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