By Amelia Hirtle
The Portland Thorns played again on Saturday night, taking on the Chicago Red Stars on the road. With Mallory Pugh back in the lineup for the visitors, the Thorns would have to be clinical in their defense.
First Half
Unfortunately for the Thorns, they didn’t start off well on the defensive side. In the 5th minute, the visitors got on the board with a goal from Pugh. Kelli Hubly attempted to keep up with Pugh, but the forward gained a step and was able to slip it past the keeper.
Despite the early goal, Portland was able to bounce back. Two minutes later, Sam Coffey sent a corner in that Hina Sugita was able to capitalize on for the Thorn’s first goal of the match.
It was easy to tell that the visitors were not satisfied and wanted more. Bella Bixby was forced to make a save in the 18th minute from Ava Cook. With the attack favoring the Red Stars, it was no surprise that they scored again. Forward Rachel Hill received the ball while Bixby came out to defend. Hill was able to slide it past her to make it 2-1 in favor of Chicago.
Second Half
Just moments into the second half, Sophia Smith had a nifty flick off a corner that ended in the back of the net to tie it at 2-2.
Bixby came up big towards the end of the match for Portland. In the end, she only had two saves, but her presence was certainly felt.
The Thorns are currently 1-1-3 and sit in 8th place. They will return home for a Friday night matchup against Angel City FC to be played at 7:30 PT (10:30 PM ET).