Credit: Thorns FC
By Marilia Macedo
Goals from Horan and Charley helped Portland Thorns to beat OL Reign (2-0).
It was a frantic game from the very beginning.
In the first five minutes, OL Reign had the first chance with Balcer after a cross by Celia and French was in a good position to grab the ball.
And in response, Charley received a long cross into the defenders and tried to shoot, but the goalkeeper Bardsley saved.
In the 17th minute, Horan opened the scoring with a remarkable freekick goal after shooting the ball perfectly with her right foot that Bardsley could not save this time, 1-0. OL Reign kept attempting with Celia, Angelina, Balcer, in vain.
The Thorns, on the other hand, found the gaps and kept the ball possession, keeping Reign under pressure almost all the time.
Seconds after the beginning of the second half, the Thorns went to the Reign’s area, Horan attempted to the goal, but the ball hit the goalkeeper. However, the ball found its way to Charley and her volley made it find the net, scoring a beautiful goal, 2-0.
In one of the few good chances created by Benstiti’s team, Celia found Rapinoe in the area with a cross, but she headed wide.
Even with Rapinoe on the field in the second half, The OL Reign could not find an equalizer, though, and the Thorns controlled the game till the end. Charley, Smith, Horan tried to score more goals, but Bardsley did not let that happen – she made several difficult saves. After the final whistle, the Portland Thorns fans could celebrate the 2-0 victory.
The Portland Thorns lead group G with 9 points, enjoying a three-game winning streak in the NWSL in three matches, and they will try to win one more, this time visiting Houston Dash, on May 2nd. The situation is different for the other team – OL Reign has just 1 point with one draw and one loss. Despites that, they have the opportunity to improve their position in the group with two more games. The next one will be against the Chicago Red Stars, on April 27th.