By Amelia Hirtle
On a night with a lot on the line, the Portland Thorns got down to business at home. There were multiple scenarios where playoff spots could be clinched, depending on the results and the Thorns took advantage by beating Racing Louisville by a score of 3-0 at home. With a playoff spot clinched, the Thorns will look to win the NWSL Shield title, where they currently sit in 1st place.
Portland was on the forefront for much of the first half, however there were a few moments where Racing Louisville looked dangerous and poised to score. In the 15th minute, Louisville defenders were forced to make goal-line clearances to keep the Thorns from scoring.
The Thorns were certainly the more dominating team in the first half, however, ending the first half with no goals, after 16 shots on goal was frustrating.
It didn’t last long in the second half. Sophia Smith received the ball in space and immediately raced up the field toward the goal. The Louisville keeper came off her line and Smith attacked, making her miss, before calmly slotting the ball home. Once the first goal came, the next two followed.
Midfielder Sam Coffey scored her first career NWSL goal in the 48th minute. In the 56th minute, Olivia Moultrie added to the Thorns tally to make it 3-0. There were still moments of attack from the visitors, but the home team held strong in their defense. Crystal Dunn came on in the 78th minute, her first appearance of the year at home, after her pregnancy.
The Thorns will play host to the sixth place, Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, September 25th at 1:00PM PT (4:00 PM ET).