May 2, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release
SAN JOSE, Cali. – Portland Thorns FC (2-3-1, 7 points) earned its second-consecutive road win with a 3-2 victory at Bay FC thanks to a brace from Sophia Smith and a goal in the second minute from rookie Payton Linnehan.
Postgame sound from Interim Head Coach Rob Gale, midfielder Sam Coffey and forward Payton Linnehan can be found here.
The Thorns got off to a flying start, finding the back of the net in just the second minute, with Sophia Smith slipping a forward pass to rookie Payton Linnehan, who slammed her shot into the upper netting. The goal comes in Linnehan’s first-ever professional start and marks her first goal contribution of any kind since being selected in the first round of the 2024 NWSL Draft.
Five minutes later the Thorns doubled their lead, this time the reverse of the first goal with Smith finding the back of the net, assisted by Linnehan. The goal marks Smith’s sixth of the season, the most by any player in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.
Bay’s first real opportunity of the match came in the 14th minute, but goalkeeper Shelby Hogan was able to reach up and push Racheal Kundananji’s shot out for a corner kick. Just before the halftime break Bay FC was able to pull one back, with Kundananji threading her shot into the back of the net. The half would end shortly after with Portland taking the narrow 2-1 lead.
Coming out of the halftime break Bay FC pressed aggressively, seeking the equalizing goal, attacking the Thorns’ backline relentlessly. In the 60th minute Deyna Castellanos brought Bay FC level, sliding onto a pass from Kundananji to make it 2-2.
With the scoreline level Bay FC found itself with several chances at a go-ahead goal, but each time Hogan was able to make the save. Just when it seemed as if the Bay had all of the momentum, Smith pulled the Thorns back in front, assisted by second-half substitute Marissa Sheva, hitting a curling left-footed shot into the back of the net to take the 3-2 lead. The brace marks the 10th multi-goal game in her career, the second-most in league history, second only to Megan Rapinoe (11 multi-goal games).
After forward Morgan Weaver went down with an injury at the start of extra time the Thorns were forced to defend Bay down a man. But Portland was able to grind it out and secure the 3-2 win on the road.
UP NEXT: Portland Thorns FC return to Providence Park to host Washington Spirit on Saturday, May 4 at…