After a missed PK, the Thorns still managed to squeak out a goal in first half stoppage time thanks to a beautiful long ball from Crystal Dunne to Simone Charley. The attack drew Kansas City keeper, Abby Smith, way out of goal which allowed Charley to easily put the ball into the back of an open net. While the Thorns looked strong in the first half, but wouldn’t be able to break past the Kansas City defense for a second time with incredible saves coming from Abby Smith. On the other end, Portland Keeper AD Franch made a few notable saves of her own to keep the clean sheet for the Thorns. Kansas City now find themselves at the bottom of the standings while Portland finds themselves in second, just below the undefeated Orlando Pride.
The Thorns will take on the revamped North Carolina Courage, this Saturday at 4pm PST. The Courage stand in third place, and are eager to prove they are still a top contender in the league. You can watch the game on Paramount+ in the states and on internationally on Twitch.
*All pictures by Jeff Wong
Portland defender Emily Menges avoids the high kick of Amy Rodriguez 
Kansas City defender Taylor Leach works to keep Portland Thorns Sophia Smith out of the box. 
Kansas City defender Michelle Maemone tries to slow Portland forward Sophia Smith 
`Morgan Weaver delivering the cross 
Portland forward Sophia Smith and a Kansas City defender go one on one 
Kansas City goalie Abby Smith and Sophia Smith take a tumble 
The Thorns celebrate Simone Charley’s goal 
Simone Charley’s kicks in the only goal of the match 
Thorn Simone Charlie chases a ball that has gotten past Kansas City goalie Abby Smith 
Becky Sauerbrunn of the Thorns beats Kansas City Elizabeth Ball to the ball. 
Portland goalie Adrianna Franch saves a high goal shot 
Taylor Leach intercepts a Thorns cross 
Portland midfielder Crystal Dunn navigates through four defenders 
Kansas City’s Lo’eau LaBonta and Amy Rodriguez and Portland’s Rocky Rodgriguez battle for the ball 
Kansas City midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta tumbles as Angela Salem gets to the ball 
Kansas City midfielder Gaby Vincent fights to keep possession from Portland midfielder Lindsey Horan 
Kansas City forward Darian Jenkins gets the header against Portland midfielder Lindsey Horan 
Kansas City Lo’eau LaBonta and Portland Thron Crystal Dunn compete for the header 
Kansas City forward Darian Jenkins gets the header over Portland defender Meghan Klingenberg 
Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball tries to block Portland forward Simone Charley 
Kansas City forward Darian Jenkins shoots for the goal 
Portland deender Meghan Klingenberg tries to slow Kansas City forward Darian Jenkins 
Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball and Portland forward Simone Charley in a footrace
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