April 25, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
FULLERTON, Calif. – Portland Thorns FC were unable to rally from a first-half deficit, falling 1-0 to Angel City FC in their final match of West Division play in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup at Titan Stadium on Sunday night. With the loss, Portland was eliminated from the Challenge Cup, needing a draw or win to secure a spot in the semifinals. Thorns FC return to action with their NWSL regular-season opener, playing host to the KC Current on April 30 at Providence Park.
Challenge Cup Review
Portland (3-2-1, 10pts) finished second in the West Division, recording two wins against San Diego Wave FC on March 26 and April 17, and one win against Angel City FC on March 30. Sophia Smith led the team with three goals in five Challenge Cup games. Hina Sugita tallied two goals, while Morgan Weaver, Christine Sinclair and Yazmeen Ryan all recorded goals in the tournament. A total of 22 players featured in the Challenge Cup with 19 players earning at least one start.
Firsts and Debuts
Janine Beckie made her Thorns FC debut in the match, starting and playing 90 minutes. Olivia Moultrie earned her first start of the Challenge Cup. She is the youngest player to start a match in Challenge Cup history at 16 years, 7 months and 7 days.
Goal-Scoring Plays
ACFC – Christen Press (penalty kick), 29th minute: Off a free kick, several players were fighting for the ball inside the box when Rocky Rodríguez was whistled for a foul on Vanessa Gilles. Christen Press stepped to the spot and converted the penalty kick.
Notes:
Janine Beckie made her Thorns FC debut in the match, starting and playing 90 minutes.
Olivia Moultrie started her first game of the Challenge Cup. She is the youngest player to start in the Challenge Cup at 16 years, 7 months and 7 days.
Beckie and Moultrie became the 18th and 19th players to start in a Challenge Cup match for Thorns FC in 2022.
A total of 22 players featured for Thorns FC…