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Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Shut out Arizona State in Preseason Match

March 30, 2014 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


TUCSON, Ariz. - Portland Thorns FC completed their two-game preseason schedule in southern Arizona with a 5-0 shutout against Arizona State University before 1,032 fans on Sunday afternoon at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz.

Thorns FC did not concede a goal in 180 minutes of action against the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, while outscoring the NCAA Division I programs 15-0 during their preseason training camp in Tucson. Against ASU on Sunday, Portland registered 18 shots while holding the Sun Devils to just five shots.

Midfielder Allie Long recorded two goals in the first 19 minutes of the match. Long, who tallied two goals on Friday night against the University of Arizona, opened the scoring for Thorns FC after maneuvering through the left side of box to the end line. Finding some space to shoot from a tight angle, Long fired a shot in off Arizona State goalkeeper Chandler Morris in the third minute.

In the 19th minute, Long dispossessed a defender who was attempting to clear a cross into the box from forward Christine Sinclair. Once again delivering a shot from a tight angle, Long beat the goalkeeper with a strong effort inside the far right post.

Moments before the halftime whistle, forward Jackie Acevedo tallied her first goal of the match, finishing a through pass from midfielder Meleana Shim in the 45th minute.

Sinclair tallied her second goal in as many games with a powerful header in the 51st minute, latching onto the end of a right-footed corner kick from Long to open the second-half scoring for Thorns FC.

Arizona native Jessica McDonald capped the scoring for Thorns FC eight minutes from the final whistle with a diving header at the left post. Making a run through the left side of the penalty box, McDonald connected with a deep cross from midfielder Angie Kerr for Portland's fifth goal of the match.

The Sun Devils saw their best scoring opportunity in the fifth minute when miscommunication in the Thorns FC defense led to a free kick inside the penalty box after goalkeeper Michelle Betos accidentally handled a back pass. With nearly the entire team forming a wall on the goal line, ASU drilled the free kick into the defensive wall from nearly 10-yards out as Betos then saved the ensuing rebound attempt.

Betos finished the match with four saves, recording three in the first half.

Thorns FC will remain in Tucson until Tuesday before heading back to the Rose City to continue their preparations for the 2014 National Women's Soccer League season.

Portland kicks off the NWSL regular season with a road match against expansion side Houston Dash on April 12 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

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