July 29, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Portland Thorns FC extended their unbeaten streak to nine games with a 2-1 road win against Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Stadium on Friday night. Hina Sugita tallied her fourth goal of the season, netting the game-winning goal in the 74th minute as Portland remains unbeaten on the road in 2022.
Unbeaten Run
With the win, Portland is unbeaten in its last nine games overall (5-0-4). During that stretch, Thorns FC have scored multiple goals in eight of their nine matches. Portland is the only team that is unbeaten on the road this season, improving to 2-0-4 away from Providence Park. Notably, Thorns FC have not lost on the road in NWSL regular season play since Sept. 25, 2021.
Smith Form
Despite missing the last three matches due to international duty, Smith registered her ninth goal in 10 NWSL regular season games played for Portland in 2022. With the goal, Smith has scored or tallied an assist in each of the last six games (7g, 2a) she has appeared in for Thorns FC. She has a goal in each of her last four matches with Portland, while also scoring at least one goal in each of her last four road matches with Thorns FC.
Returns and Firsts
Following international duty, several players made their return to the lineup in tonight’s match. Becky Sauerbrunn, Sophia Smith and Natalia Kuikka all started the match for Thorns FC. Kuikka played 45 minutes in her first game back with Portland since she departed in June for the 2022 EUROs. Smith logged 85 minutes in her first game back since the Concacaf W Championship, while Sauerbrunn played all 90 minutes. Rocky Rodríguez played 21 minutes as a second-half substitute and Sam Coffey logged 45 minutes, entering the match to begin the second half. Newly acquired defender Tegan McGrady made her Thorns FC debut, logging 45 minutes.
Goal-Scoring Plays
POR – Sophia Smith (Morgan Weaver), 7th minute: Morgan Weaver played the ball down the left side for Sophia Smith, who turned toward the middle of the field. Smith dribbled down the left side of the box and fired a shot from a tight angle inside the right post.
LOU – Alex Chidiac (Jaelin Howell), 29th minute: Chidiac received the ball near the endline on the left side, dribbled along the endline and finished from a tight angle at the left post.
POR – Hina Sugita, 74th minute: Smith played the ball to Rocky Rodríguez near the top of the box. Rodríguez fired a shot that was…