May 24, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release
ORLANDO, Florida – Portland Thorns (6-4-1, 19 points) saw its six-game win streak come to a close with a 2-1 loss, on the road, to the Orlando Pride. Forward Izzy D’Aquila netted her first professional goal, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pride.
Postgame sound from Interim Head Coach Rob Gale, forward Izzy D’Aquila can be found here.
In a race for history, Portland Thorns FC (six game win streak) and the Orlando Pride (seven game win streak) were each seeking to become the first team in league history to reach eight consecutive victories. The home side looked to be more of the aggressors in the first half hour, pressuring the Thorns’ backline relentlessly, making it difficult for Portland to maintain any offensive momentum.
In the 30th minute the Pride finally broke through, despite goalkeeper Shelby Hogan making an impressive save, Barbra Branda was able to head in the loose ball to take the 1-0 lead for the home team. Ten minutes later she did it again, this time chipping the goalkeeper to put the ball in the back of the open net. The Thorns would be unable to chip away at the deficit, going into the halftime break down 2-0.
Coming out of the halftime break the Thorns began finding their footing, stringing together several opportunities early in the second half. The best opportunity came in the 54th minute when Janine Beckie fed a cross directly into the path of Christine Sinclair, however the forward was unable to keep her shot down and the ball bounced over the crossbar.
Second-half substitute Izzy D’Aquila nearly found the back of the net in the 67th minute, but Pride goalkeeper, Anna Moorhouse, was able to make the point-blank save, denying the goal scoring opportunity. Just a few moments later she finally found the back of the net, finding a ball from Olivia Moultrie for a one-on-one look at goal. The goal marked D’Aquila’s first professional goal.
The Thorns nearly found the second in the 83rd minute, but Ana Dias’ shot smacked off the crossbar. The Thorns would be unable to equalize, ending their six-game win streak with the 2-1 loss.
UP NEXT: Portland Thorns FC return to Providence Park following a short international break on Saturday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. PT to host the North Carolina Courage.
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
ORL: Barbra Banda (Hina Sugita) 30th minute: Goalkeeper Shelby Hogan was able to make the initial save, but the ball fell directly at the head of…