July 6, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release
Portland, Oregon – Portland Thorns (8-5-3, 27 points) earn a late-game 1-0 win over the San Diego Wave thanks to a goal from Izzy D’Aquila and a shutout performance from Shelby Hogan and the backline.
Postgame sound from Interim Head Coach Rob Gale, forward Janine Beckie and forward Izzy D’Aquila can be found here.
Portland looked to take the lead in the 10th minute, when forward Sophia Smith slotted a pass forwards to Janine Beckie, but the Canadian’s shot fell just wide of the post. In the 17th minute Smith tried her own hand at goal, but San Diego ‘keeper Kailen Sheridan was able to block the shot.
San Diego had their best chance at goal in the 38th minute, when it appeared Alex Morgan had found the back of the net, but she was judged to be in an offside position, negating the goal. Neither side would be able to find the back of the net before the halftime break, leaving the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0 after the first half.
The two sides struggled to find offensive opportunities to start the second half, Smith nearly tucked a shot into the back of the net in the 70th minute, but once again Sheridan was up to the task. Minutes later Beckie found herself with a one-v-one chance, with only the goalkeeper between her and goal, but Sheridan was able to push the ball out for a corner.
San Diego’s best chance came in the 83rd minute when Melanie Barcenas launched a shot at Shelby Hogan, but the goalkeeper was able to make the quick reaction save and push the ball over the crossbar. Moments later the Thorns finally took the lead when Beckie sent a low cross into the middle of the penalty box, finding a diving Izzy D’Aquila who stuck a foot out and placed the ball into the back of the net.
The team would be able to hold on to the one-goal lead, eventually earning the 1-0 victory and serving as the team’s league-leading seventh shutout of the season.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns will enter into a two-week break before beginning the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Summer Cup on Sunday, July 21 against Club Tijuana at Providence Park. The Thorns will return to regular-season play following the completion of the Summer Olympics, in August.
GOAL-SCORING BREAKDOWN
POR: Izzy D’Aquila (Janine Beckie) 85th minute: Beckie drove towards the end line, cutting back to send a cross in towards the penalty box, where a diving D’Aquila was able to get her foot on the ball, redirecting a…