July 2, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
LOS ANGELES – Portland Thorns FC scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer in the 96th minute on the road against Angel City FC to secure a point – extending their unbeaten streak to six games -with a 1-1 draw at Banc of California Stadium on Friday night. Madison Pogarch delivered the final ball into the box for Yazmeen Ryan, who scored her first career NWSL goal in the final minute of the match.
Late-Game Heroics
The goal for Ryan was the first of her NWSL career in regular season play. It was the latest goal scored in club history, besting Thorns FC goalkeeper Michelle Betos’ game-tying goal in the 95th minute against FC Kansas City in 2015. Ryan now has a goal and two assists in her last two matches for Portland. Pogarch provided the assist on the game-winning goal, tallying her first assist in a regular season match.
New Faces
Five players earned their first career NWSL regular season starts in the match. Natalie Beckman, Hannah Betfort, Taylor Porter and Gabby Provenzano all earned their first starts of the 2022 campaign. Goalkeeper Shelby Hogan made her NWSL debut in the match, stopping a penalty kick in her first career start, while making seven saves. Marissa Everett also earned her first start of the season.
Building Depth
Tonight’s starting lineup featured each of Portland’s last five NWSL Draft picks: Beckman and Provenzano were both 2022 selections, while Sam Coffey, Ryan and Hannah Betfort were all drafted by Thorns FC in the 2021 NWSL Draft. Notably, Hogan along with Everett and Kelli Hubly were non-drafted players brought into the club as non-roster invitees in preseason camp or national team replacements and later signed with the club. Porter was a national team replacement player in 2021 with the team and signed with the club ahead of the 2022 Challenge Cup.
Goal-Scoring Plays
ACFC – Savannah McCaskill (penalty kick), 2nd minute: Angel City was awarded a penalty kick for a foul inside the box. Savannah McCaskill stepped to the spot and her initial attempt was saved by Shelby Hogan, but McCaskill converted the rebound.
POR – Yazmeen Ryan (Madison Pogarch), 90+6: Madison Pogarch received the ball along the left sideline and unleashed a pinpoint cross from distance into the box for Yazmeen Ryan, who delivered a powerful header past the outstretched arms of Angel City goalkeeper Didi Haracic.
Notes:
Portland is unbeaten in its last six matches overall with a…