In a hard-fought contest at the Coachella Valley Invitational, Portland Thorns FC fell 2-1 to Angel City FC in a match filled with key debuts and stellar performances. Despite the last minute loss, the team played an exciting brand of soccer giving glimpses of what fans can expect this coming season
It was a highly anticipated debut for Venezuelan International Forward Deyna Castellanos, who made an impressive impact in her first 60 minutes of play. Alongside her, UCLA product Defender Jayden Perry and Brazilian Defender Daiane also had their debut in Thorns colors, giving coach Rob Gale some exciting new options on the backline.
Between the posts, Australian International Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold delivered a commanding performance, already looking to be in top form ahead of the season. Arnold was particularly impressive in the 64th minute when she made a critical penalty kick save, diving low to her left and denying Angel City's Christen Press a chance to equalize.
Goal-Scoring Plays
Portland – Payton Linnehan, 57th minute: The Thorns broke the deadlock after some confusion among the Angel City defenders. Payton Linnehan pounced on the opportunity in the box, showing great composure and skill to curl a shot past the keeper, giving Portland a 1-0 lead.
Angel City – Lily Nabet, 67th minute: After Mackenzie Arnold made a spectacular save on a Sydney Leroux header, Angel City responded from the ensuing corner. The ball was delivered into the box, where Forward Lily Nabet rose to head it home, finding the far corner to level the score at 1-1.
Angel City – Scottie Antonucci, 93rd minute: In the dying moments of the match, Macey Hodge dispossessed a Thorn and quickly fed Midfielder Scottie Antonucci on the break. Antonucci unleashed a blistering shot from the top of the box, which found the back of the net to give Angel City the 2-1 win.
Thorns FC return to action at the Coachella Valley Invitational next Saturday, February 22 facing the Houston Dash at 10am.
The Thorns are slated to begin the regular season on March 15 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium before returning to Providence Park on March 21 for the home opener against Angel City FC, tickets for which are on sale now. For more information on the Thorns, please visit www.thornsfc.com.
In a hard-fought contest at the Coachella Valley Invitational, Portland Thorns FC fell 2-1 to Angel City FC in a match filled with key debuts and stellar performances. Despite the last minute loss, the team played an exciting brand of soccer giving glimpses of what fans can expect this coming season
It was a highly anticipated debut for Venezuelan International Forward Deyna Castellanos, who made an impressive impact in her first 60 minutes of play. Alongside her, UCLA product Defender Jayden Perry and Brazilian Defender Daiane also had their debut in Thorns colors, giving coach Rob Gale some exciting new options on the backline.
Between the posts, Australian International Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold delivered a commanding performance, already looking to be in top form ahead of the season. Arnold was particularly impressive in the 64th minute when she made a critical penalty kick save, diving low to her left and denying Angel City's Christen Press a chance to equalize.
Goal-Scoring Plays
Portland – Payton Linnehan, 57th minute: The Thorns broke the deadlock after some confusion among the Angel City defenders. Payton Linnehan pounced on the opportunity in the box, showing great composure and skill to curl a shot past the keeper, giving Portland a 1-0 lead.
Angel City – Lily Nabet, 67th minute: After Mackenzie Arnold made a spectacular save on a Sydney Leroux header, Angel City responded from the ensuing corner. The ball was delivered into the box, where Forward Lily Nabet rose to head it home, finding the far corner to level the score at 1-1.
Angel City – Scottie Antonucci, 93rd minute: In the dying moments of the match, Macey Hodge dispossessed a Thorn and quickly fed Midfielder Scottie Antonucci on the break. Antonucci unleashed a blistering shot from the top of the box, which found the back of the net to give Angel City the 2-1 win.
Thorns FC return to action at the Coachella Valley Invitational next Saturday, February 22 facing the Houston Dash at 10am.
The Thorns are slated to begin the regular season on March 15 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium before returning to Providence Park on March 21 for the home opener against Angel City FC, tickets for which are on sale now. For more information on the Thorns, please visit www.thornsfc.com.
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