July 17, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC (5-1-6, 21 pts) notched a 5-0 shutout win against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Providence Park on Saturday night. The victory extended Portland’s unbeaten streak to eight games (4-0-4), moving them into second place in NWSL standings. Taylor Porter, Olivia Moultrie, Marissa Everett, Hannah Betfort and Morgan Weaver all got on the scoresheet for tonight’s result.
Defense + Offense
Portland recorded its sixth clean sheet of the season in the match, which is tied for the league lead with OL Reign. Notably, it was the team’s fifth shutout win with three or more goals scored in 2022. According to Opta, Thorns FC set a new league record for fastest time from kickoff to record three goals (10:13). Portland held the previous league record (15:22) from its 5-0 win against Chicago in 2021. Thorns FC lead the league with 29 goals and a +19 goal differential. Additionally, Portland has scored multiple goals in seven of its last eight matches, and at least one goal in eight straight matches. At Providence Park, Thorns FC have outscored their opponents by a margin of 18-3 this season, while tallying 11 goals in their last two matches and conceding zero.
Dominant Depth
Seven different players contributed to Portland’s five goals tonight, with Porter, Moultrie, Everett, Betfort and Weaver each scoring one and Yazmeen Ryan, Weaver and Madison Pogarch adding assists. Porter, Moultrie and Weaver each registered their second goals of the season. Portland has six players this campaign with two or more goals – the most of any team in the league. Everett and Betfort recorded their first goals of the 2022 campaign, becoming the 11th and 12th players to score for Portland this year. Betfort’s goal was the first of her professional career. Weaver also became the 11th Portland player to tally an assist this season. No other team in the league has more goal scorers (12) or players with an assist (11) than Thorns FC in the 2022 campaign. Ryan registered her team-leading and league-leading fourth assist of the season. Notably, Ryan has tallied one goal and three assists in Portland’s last four matches.
Goal-Scoring Plays
POR – Taylor Porter, 5th minute: Meghan Klingenberg served in a corner kick for Portland. Gotham FC attempted to clear it, but the ball fell to the feet of Taylor Porter inside the box, and she slotted it past NJNY goalkeeper Ashlynn Harris.
POR – Olivia…