The Thorns shut out the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, beating them 1-0.
Photo by: Craig Mitchelldyer
After last week’s disappointing loss to first place North Carolina, the Thorns are back on fire getting their second shut out and win of the season. They beat the Chicago Red Stars, 1-0, on Saturday.
The game started slow, but in minute 27, that all changed. Nadia Nadim sent a corner kick into the box where a hand ball was subsequently called. She then made the penalty kick, giving the Thorns the lead. This would ultimately be the only goal of the game; however, the Thorns continued to set up promising opportunities. Both Christine Sinclair and Lindsey Horan came close to getting goals.
Despite feeling as though they could take better advantage of scoring opportunities, Portland Thorns head coach Mark Parsons is pleased with how the season has started.
“A goal is a goal, two wins out of three, two at home is two wins. We could’ve scored a couple more today, we could have scored a lot more against Orlando and we could have scored two or three in the first 20 against North Carolina. Our focus has to be on producing and creating these opportunities. I remember last year it took us awhile, it was 0-0’s, 1-0’s, 2-1’s and towards the end if we stay focused on what we’re trying to be here, when that game gives us a chance to bang in goals, we’ll be there to take it. We’ve got to keep creating and I believe the goals will come,” he said in a press release.
Currently in 3rd place, last year the Thorns finished first in the NWSL.
Next, the Thorns will play Seattle Reign FC on Saturday, May 6th at 7:00.
The Portland Thorns are currently in third place in the NWSL, while the Chicago Red Stars are in 6th.
Photo by: Craig Mitchelldyer
Photos by ISI.
