By Amelia Hirtle
The last time the Portland Thorns and Angel City met was on the west coast, with Angel City coming out on top with a 1-0 gritty win.
Back at home, the Thorns were relentless. They immediately began pressuring the visiting squad. The Angel City goalkeeper was kept busy in the opening minutes of the match. And with Portland’s attack, they were not going to be denied. In the 15th minute, Kelli Hubly scored her first NWSL goal on a header from a Sophia Smith Corner kick. Hubly’s body was going away from the goal and Christen Press looked to be a half a step behind as Hubly rose in the air to win the ball.
Shortly after, the home team doubled their lead. Angel City gave the ball away in the backfield which allowed the Thorns to gather it and move quickly. Christine Sinclair received the pass off the interception for a goal to make it 2-0.
Angel City came out better in the second half, creating chances and looking to cut the lead in half. Despite all the corner kicks they gave and the steady possession they held; they were unable to find the back of the net. Instead, Christine Sinclair scored her second of the night in the 68th minute to make it a 3-0 game.
Unfortunately for the visitors, it just wasn’t their night. As an expansion team, Angel City is still trying to click and come together.
For Portland, after a shutout loss to Chicago, this win should give them a boost as they go on a 2-game road trip. First up is San Diego, who had a 2-2 draw against the current. The second is Houston, who took part in a fun 3-0 win at home this weekend.
The San Diego Wave, who are at the top of the table, will host the Thorns on June 8 the match kicking off at 7 PM PT (10 PM ET).