Portland Thorns FC Fall to Houston Dash 3-2 in Coachella Valley Invitational Finale
Portland Thorns FC concluded their participation in the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 3-2 loss to the Houston Dash in their final match of the tournament. Finishing with a record of 0-2, the Thorns prioritized valuable match minutes over the results, using the games as a key part of their pre-season preparation ahead of the 2025 season.
The Thorns saw goals from Reilyn Turner, who scored in the first half, and non-roster invitee Margie Detrizio, whose second-half goal sparked a renewed energy in the team’s push to level the match. Despite the late surge, Portland fell just short of the comeback.
Goalkeeper Bella Bixby made her long-awaited return to competitive action, playing her first full 90 minutes since maternity leave and receiving a warm reception from fans. The match also saw midfielder Carissa Boeckman make her Thorns debut, while academy products Julia Joseph (defender) and Sophia Stiles (defender) had the opportunity to gain valuable experience with the first team.
Head coach Rob Gale shared his thoughts on the pre-season goals: "We hit all the pre-season objectives we had in place: To build from game to game, training session to training session, and work up the minutes from 30 to 45 and get players match comfortable past 60 minutes. We also managed to get some academy players experience at this level with some of the internationals away, so lots of positives and good to see some NWSL opposition in competitive matches. Very worthwhile week in Coachella."
The Thorns will conclude their pre-season schedule back at Providence Park on March 7 against Utah Royals. The 2025 regular season will begin on March 15 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium, before the Thorns return home for the season opener on March 21 against Angel City FC. Tickets for the home opener are on sale now, and more information can be found at www.thornsfc.com.
Portland Thorns FC Fall to Houston Dash 3-2 in Coachella Valley Invitational Finale
Portland Thorns FC concluded their participation in the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 3-2 loss to the Houston Dash in their final match of the tournament. Finishing with a record of 0-2, the Thorns prioritized valuable match minutes over the results, using the games as a key part of their pre-season preparation ahead of the 2025 season.
The Thorns saw goals from Reilyn Turner, who scored in the first half, and non-roster invitee Margie Detrizio, whose second-half goal sparked a renewed energy in the team’s push to level the match. Despite the late surge, Portland fell just short of the comeback.
Goalkeeper Bella Bixby made her long-awaited return to competitive action, playing her first full 90 minutes since maternity leave and receiving a warm reception from fans. The match also saw midfielder Carissa Boeckman make her Thorns debut, while academy products Julia Joseph (defender) and Sophia Stiles (defender) had the opportunity to gain valuable experience with the first team.
Head coach Rob Gale shared his thoughts on the pre-season goals: "We hit all the pre-season objectives we had in place: To build from game to game, training session to training session, and work up the minutes from 30 to 45 and get players match comfortable past 60 minutes. We also managed to get some academy players experience at this level with some of the internationals away, so lots of positives and good to see some NWSL opposition in competitive matches. Very worthwhile week in Coachella."
The Thorns will conclude their pre-season schedule back at Providence Park on March 7 against Utah Royals. The 2025 regular season will begin on March 15 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium, before the Thorns return home for the season opener on March 21 against Angel City FC. Tickets for the home opener are on sale now, and more information can be found at www.thornsfc.com.
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