The Thorns traveled to New Jersey to take on Gotham FC as NWSL resumed play and they were defeated by a 2-0 score. Portland entered the match 5th in the NWSL table, four points behind Gotham, so this was a big match in terms of the possibility of getting a home playoff game.
First half:
Gotham took the lead early on with an Ella Stevens header in the 7th minute, powering Gotham into an early 1-0 lead. After that early statement, Gotham dominated the rest of the half, outshooting the Thorns 9-3 with 5 of those shots being on target compared to the Thorns who had no shots on goal in the first 45 minutes.
Even with Gotham’s chances to add to the lead, Portland was able to make it to halftime without any additional damage being done. The Thorns went into the break trailing 1-0.
Second half:
The Thorns were able to generate more chances in the second half than in the first. Olivia Moultrie had a chance in the 52nd minute that was saved and Portland came within inches of scoring in the 61st minute as the ball took an awkward bounce off the post.
Gotham had their chances in the second half as well, and in the 70th minute, former Thorn Yazmeen Ryan blasted a long-range shot into the bottom corner to give Gotham their second goal.
Gotham won the match 2-0 and moved 7 points clear of the Thorns for that crucial fourth place spot in the standings, which would guarantee a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
The Thorns will return to Providence Park on Friday to host Bay FC.