May 12, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
HOUSTON, Texas – Portland Thorns FC dropped a 2-1 result on the road to the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday night. Portland struck first in the 34th minute with a goal from Rocky Rodríguez but conceded twice in the second half to Houston. Following a two-game road swing, Thorns FC will return home to host the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park on Sunday, May 21.
Rocky Rockets
Rodríguez scored her first goal of the 2023 campaign in her 100th NWSL start. Rodríguez became the team’s ninth different goal scorer this season, which is the most on any team in the league. Thorns FC have scored 18 goals in seven matches this season, which is six more than any other team. Olivia Moultrie tallied her second assist of the campaign and recorded a goal contribution for Portland in a third straight match (1g, 2a). Moultrie has recorded six assists since the beginning of June 2022, which is the second-most in the league in that span, trailing only Sophia Smith (8).
Streaks Snapped
Tonight’s result snapped Portland’s 11 game unbeaten streak (6-0-5) in regular season play dating back to the 2022 campaign. The 11-game streak is tied for the second-longest unbeaten streak in club history and is the third double-digit unbeaten streak since 2013. Thorns FC’s longest regular-season unbeaten streak is 12 games, which spanned across the first 12 games of the 2016 season from April 17-July 9. In 2022, Portland put together an 11-game unbeaten run, spanning May 28-Aug. 10. It also broke a five-game unbeaten road streak for Thorns FC, and marked the first time Portland has lost after leading at half in 57 matches (all NWSL competitions), dating back August 2017.
Goal-Scoring Plays
POR – Rocky Rodríguez (Olivia Moultrie), 34th minute: Houston attempted to clear a cross, but the ball fell to Olivia Moultrie at the top of the box. She sent a half volley toward the penalty spot for Rocky Rodríguez, who took a touch off her thigh and fired a shot into the right corner of the goal.
HOU – Joelle Anderson, 59th minute: Thorns FC goalkeeper Bella Bixby defended a cross from the right side and made a diving save, but Joelle Anderson pounced on the second ball and slotted it into the goal at the back post.
HOU – Ebony Salmon (Maria Sánchez), 71st minute: Maria Sánchez flicked a pass forward from the left sideline. Ebony Salmon spun with the ball and curled a right-footed shot inside…