LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Saturday, October 19, 2024) – Portland Thorns (9-12-5, 31 points, 7th place) dropped a 1-0 result on the road to Racing Louisville in the second-to-last regular season game of the season.
The Thorns dominated possession for much of the first half, limited Racing Louisville to half chances, as the two sides battled it out in the middle of the park. Rookie Payton Linnehan tried her hand at goal several times, but her shots fell directly into the hands of Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund.
Racing’s best chance of the first half came in the 30th minute when Savannah Demelo’s free kick opportunity forced goalkeeper Shelby Hogan to make a diving save. With neither side able to break through, the two teams ended the halftime break scoreless.
Louisville nearly found the opening goal in the 56th minute, when Bethany Balcer headed a shot towards the lower-left corner, but Hogan was able to push the ball into the post and scoop up the loose ball.
Second-half substitute Sophia Smith almost curled her shot in the back of the net in the 72nd minute, but Lund was able to snuff out the opportunity. In the 89th minute Taylor Flint broke through the stalemate, heading in a corner from former Thorn Janine Beckie, stealing the late-game win for the home side.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns return to Providence Park for the final regular season match against Angel City on Friday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. PT. The match will mark the final home match for Club legend Christine Sinclair, as such the Thorns will honor and celebrate her career throughout the night, including with a post game ceremony and activations throughout the match.
GOAL-SCORING BREAKDOWN:
LOU: Taylor Flint (Janine Beckie) 89th minute: From a corner kick, Beckie sent the ball into the box, where Flint headed her shot into the back of the net.
LINEUPS:
Portland Thorns (4-3-3): Shelby Hogan, Reyna Reyes, Becky Sauerbrunn, Isabella Obaze, Nicole Payne, Jessie Fleming, Sam Coffey, Izzy D’Aquila (Morgan Weaver 71’), Olivia Moultrie, Payton Linnehan (Sophia Smith 62’), Christine Sinclair (Reilyn Turner 62’)Subs not used: Mackenzie Arnold, Marissa Sheva, Sophie Hirst, Kelli Hubly, Marie Müller, Alexa SpaanstraRacing Louisville (4-3-3): Katie Lund, Courtney Petersen, Abby Erceg, Arin Wright, Lauren Milliet, Taylor Flint, Marisa DiGrande (Ary Borges 84’), Janine Beckie Maddie Pokorny Savannah DeMelo (Kayla Fischer 71’), Emma Sears, Bethany BalcerSubs not used: Jordyn Bloomer, Ellie Jean, Linda Motlhalo, Angela Baron, Parker Goins, Elexa Bahr
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Saturday, October 19, 2024) – Portland Thorns (9-12-5, 31 points, 7th place) dropped a 1-0 result on the road to Racing Louisville in the second-to-last regular season game of the season.
The Thorns dominated possession for much of the first half, limited Racing Louisville to half chances, as the two sides battled it out in the middle of the park. Rookie Payton Linnehan tried her hand at goal several times, but her shots fell directly into the hands of Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund.
Racing’s best chance of the first half came in the 30th minute when Savannah Demelo’s free kick opportunity forced goalkeeper Shelby Hogan to make a diving save. With neither side able to break through, the two teams ended the halftime break scoreless.
Louisville nearly found the opening goal in the 56th minute, when Bethany Balcer headed a shot towards the lower-left corner, but Hogan was able to push the ball into the post and scoop up the loose ball.
Second-half substitute Sophia Smith almost curled her shot in the back of the net in the 72nd minute, but Lund was able to snuff out the opportunity. In the 89th minute Taylor Flint broke through the stalemate, heading in a corner from former Thorn Janine Beckie, stealing the late-game win for the home side.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns return to Providence Park for the final regular season match against Angel City on Friday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. PT. The match will mark the final home match for Club legend Christine Sinclair, as such the Thorns will honor and celebrate her career throughout the night, including with a post game ceremony and activations throughout the match.
GOAL-SCORING BREAKDOWN:
LOU: Taylor Flint (Janine Beckie) 89th minute: From a corner kick, Beckie sent the ball into the box, where Flint headed her shot into the back of the net.
LINEUPS:
Portland Thorns (4-3-3): Shelby Hogan, Reyna Reyes, Becky Sauerbrunn, Isabella Obaze, Nicole Payne, Jessie Fleming, Sam Coffey, Izzy D’Aquila (Morgan Weaver 71’), Olivia Moultrie, Payton Linnehan (Sophia Smith 62’), Christine Sinclair (Reilyn Turner 62’)Subs not used: Mackenzie Arnold, Marissa Sheva, Sophie Hirst, Kelli Hubly, Marie Müller, Alexa SpaanstraRacing Louisville (4-3-3): Katie Lund, Courtney Petersen, Abby Erceg, Arin Wright, Lauren Milliet, Taylor Flint, Marisa DiGrande (Ary Borges 84’), Janine Beckie Maddie Pokorny Savannah DeMelo (Kayla Fischer 71’), Emma Sears, Bethany BalcerSubs not used: Jordyn Bloomer, Ellie Jean, Linda Motlhalo, Angela Baron, Parker Goins, Elexa Bahr
