Coach Mark Parsons last game with the Portland Thorns ended in disappointment, but not necessarily with the wrong result. Chicago came out organized and played stubborn, full heart, defense with Red Stars throwing their bodies in front of just about every play. Something they had to do in order to stop a relentless Thorns offense from scoring. Chicago, who have made it to the NWSL Final two times and walked away without a trophy two times, will look to earn their first NWSL championship this next Saturday.
While the Thorns have gained strength this season amid personal and professional tumult – the departure of Mark Parsons is one of the bigger changes happening ahead of next season. Parsons, who has been the head coach of the Thorns since 2016, had some parting thoughts after being asked what advice he would give himself, when he took over as head coach of the Thorns:
“What could I tell myself in 16? Don’t ever think it’s football first. Don’t ever think it’s tactics first or Xs and Os or drills or sessions or training – it’s always people first… It’s the most important biggest lesson that I continue to learn and that I continue to want to be better at…. So what’s my message? People first. People second. People third – and then there’s a bit of soccer there.“
*Photos by Dante’y Buitureida (https://www.danteysart.com/) and Jeff Wong
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Thorns Natalia Kuikka drives a shoulder into Red Stars Katie Johnson and is called for a foul in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Chicago score first during the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Thorns forward Morgan Weaver gets double teamed by Red Stars Sarah DiBernardo and Danielle Colaprico in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Thorns captain Christine Sinclair expresses her dissent, during the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Chicago score their second during the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Chicago celebrate their second goal during the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Fans show their support during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Red Stars Morgan Gautrat gets triple teamed by Thorns Megan Klingenberg, Yazmeen Ryan, and Angela Salem in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Thorns Yazmeen Ryan and Red Stars Rachel Hill get locked up fighting for possession in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Red Stars goalie Cassie Miller dives and slides for a save in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Emily Menges (5 Portland Thorns) during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Becky Sauerbrunn (4 Portland Thorns) during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Thorns forward Sophia Smith gets triple teamed by Red Stars Sarah Woldmoe, Morgan Guatrat, and Tierna Davidson in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Rocky Rodriguez breaks towards the goal with Red Stars Vanessa DiBernardo in pursuit during the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Red Stars Morgan Gautrat sneaks a foot between Thorns Angela Salem and Rocky Rodriguez and kicks the ball out of bounds in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Angela Salem passes to a teammate through the double team of Red Stars Rachel Hill and Kealia Watt in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Rocky Rodgriguez stretches to block Morgan Gautrat’s cross in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Thorns Megan Klingenberg wards off Red Stars Rachel Hill as she drives the ball upfield in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Angela Salem recovers from a tumble as Rachel Hill takes possession of the ball in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Christine Sinclair and Red Stars Sarah Woldmoe compete for a header in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns goalie Bella Bixby grabs a high goal shot in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Christine Sinclair, an Olympic gold Medalist from Canada, wards off Red Stars Sarah Woldmoe in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Angela Salem and Emily Menges hustle to keep Red Stars Kealia Watt from entering the Thorns’ box in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Red Stars goalie Cassie Miller hustles to keep Thorns Morgan Weaver from scoring in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Angela Salem tries to find an angle to the goal with Red Stars Vanessa DiBernardo and Tierna Davidson defending against her in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Red Stars Vanessa DiBernardo prevents Thorns Rocky Rodriguez from getting a header into the goal in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns forward Sophia Smith breaks free and shoots but misses with Red Stars Arin Wright and Rachel Hill in pursuit in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Sophia Smith breaks away from Red Stars Morgan Gautrat and Sarah Woldmoe in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns forward Sophia Smith gets quadruple teamed by Red tars Tierna Davidson, Arin Wright, Morgan Gautrat, and Sarah Woldmoe in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Yazmen Ryan runs into the Red Star double team of Tatum Milazzo and Sarah Gautrat in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Yazmeen Ryan manhandles Red Stars Tatum Milazzo as Red Stars Sarah Woldmoe cries foul in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Thorns Yazmeen Ryan gets a reprimand for manhandling Red Stars Tatum Milazzo in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Red Stars Sarah DiBernardo tries to keep Thorns Natalia Kuikka from completing a pass in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
During the Semi-Finals in the National Women’s Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Dante’y Buitureida). 
Red Stars Rachel Hill and Thorns Becky Sauerbrunn pursue the ball in a synchronized dance during the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Red Stars Rachel Hill gets the ball under control as Thorns Megan Klingenberg defends in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Red Stars Arin Wright and Thorns Simone Charlie battle for possession in the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the NWSL 2021 playoff match at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, on November 14, 2021 (Photo by Jeff Wong). 
Red Stars waiting for the whistle during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Red Stars celebrating win during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Red Stars celebrating win during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Red Stars celebrating win during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Rocky Rodriguez (11 Portland Thorns) and Angela Salem (36 Portland Thorns) after the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Mark Parsons (Head Coach Portland Thorns) after the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Mark Parsons (Head Coach Portland Thorns) after the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 
Lindsey Horan (10 Portland Thorns) consoles Angela Salem (36 Portland Thorns) during the Semi-Finals in the National Womens Soccer League game between Portland Thorns v Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon
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