September 25, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – After a scoreless first half, Morgan Weaver notched a second-half brace followed by stoppage-time goal from Taylor Porter to lift Portland Thorns FC to a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon. With the win, Thorns FC (10-3-8, 38pts) move back to the top of the table with one week remaining in the NWSL regular season.
On the Scoresheet
Weaver notched her first career brace to bring her season total to six goals, which is second-most on the team this season. Portland is the only club in the league to have four players with five or more goals scored in the 2022 campaign (Sophia Smith – 12, Weaver – 6, Hina Sugita – 5, Christine Sinclair – 5). Taylor Porter tallied her third goal to seal today’s victory for Thorns FC. Sam Coffey tallied her second assist of the season, making her the 10th player for Thorns FC to record multiple assists in 2022. Smith also earned an assist on the second goal of the match, registering her third of the season.
League Leaders
Today’s clean sheet marked Portland’s league-leading ninth of the season. It was also goalkeeper Bella Bixby’s ninth shutout of the campaign, which also leads the NWSL. Portland has the best goal differential in league (+25), which is 12 more than the next best team (North Carolina – 13). Thorns FC earned their sixth home win of the season today, which also marks a league best. Portland and the North Carolina Courage are tied for the most goals in the league (46).
Portland in the Playoffs
Thorns FC became the first team to clinch a playoff berth in the 2022 NWSL Playoffs on Sept. 21, following a 3-0 victory over Racing Louisville FC. With a win Oct. 1 on the road against NJ/NY Gotham FC, Portland can secure its second consecutive NWSL Shield, earning a home playoff game and a quarterfinal bye. Portland has qualified for the playoffs in six straight regular seasons. It also marks the eighth time Thorns FC have earned a postseason berth in nine NWSL regular seasons – the most of any team in the league.
Goal-Scoring Plays
POR – Morgan Weaver (Sam Coffey), 48th minute: From the middle of the field, Sam Coffey played the ball wide to find Morgan Weaver, who dribbled at pace into the box down the left side and converted from a tight angle past Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
POR – Morgan Weaver (Sophia Smith), 61st minute: Natalia Kuikka slipped a pass into the box…
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