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Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Conclude Preseason Tournament against Houston Dash

March 18, 2018 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Wrapping up a stretch of three games in seven days, Portland Thorns FC played their final match of the preseason as part of the Thorns Spring Invitational presented by Tillamook Yogurt, squaring off against the Houston Dash. The two teams played to a scoreless draw at Merlo Field on the campus of the University of Portland on Saturday night.

The U.S. U-23s and Chicago Red Stars featured in the early match on the final day of the tournament. U.S. U-23s forward Catarina Macario scored her fourth goal of the tournament, converting the game-winning goal from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute to help the U.S. U-23s earn a 1-0 win.

Preseason progression

Forwards Ifeoma Onumonu and Mallory Weber, midfielders Celeste Boureille and Midge Purce, and defenders Meghan Klingenberg and Katherine Reynolds started all three tournament matches for Portland. A total of 16 players appeared in the match for Thorns FC. Purce, Reynolds and Weber as well as forward Christine Sinclair and defender Emily Sonnett all played the full 90 minutes.

Key plays

Controlling the possession for much of the first half, Portland did not surrender a shot in the opening 45 minutes. Thorns FC's best chance came on a set piece in the 40th minute. Klingenberg delivered a free kick from near midfield, bending the ball towards the penalty spot for Onumonu who was able to direct a header on frame.

On the front foot to start the second half, Portland created several chances in the opening five minutes. Midfielders Lindsey Horan and Sinclair combined near the edge of the box. Sinclair laid the ball off for Horan, who fired a shot from distance, but Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell was able to make the save in the 48th minute. Less than three minutes later, Horan again found space just outside the box, delivering a curling strike towards the top left corner, forcing another save by Campbell.

Franch kept the match scoreless with a key stop in the 71st minute. Houston forward Thembi Kgatlana dribbled down the right flank and into the box before firing a shot from close range near the right post. Franch reacted quickly to parry the shot attempt away before Portland cleared the ball from the box.

Horan, who tallied a game-high three shots, nearly registered the game-winning goal with a strike from close range that was cleared off the goal line by a Houston defender in the 74th minute.

Next Game

Thorns FC open the 2018 regular-season on the road against the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, March 24, at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Saturday's match is the featured NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime at 12:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Portland Thorns FC vs. Houston Dash (NWSL Preseason)

March 17, 2018 - Merlo Field (Portland, Ore.)

Goals by Half 1 2 F

Portland Thorns FC 0 0 0

Houston Dash 0 0 0

Scoring Summary:

n/a

Misconduct Summary:

POR: Horan (caution), 42

POR: Reynolds (caution), 84

Lineups & Stats

POR: GK Franch, D Hubly (Ball, 46), D Sonnett, D Reynolds, D Klingenberg (Lussi, 61), M Boureille (Salem, 73), M Horan (Herndon, 85), M Sinclair, F Weber, F Onumonu (Yu, 74), F Purce

Substitutes Not Used: GK Eckerstrom, F Charley, F Eckler, F Morris

TOTAL SHOTS: 6; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 12; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 1

HOU: GK Campbell, D Daly, D Brooks, D Van Wyk, D Agnew (Keever, 68), M Mewis, M Hanson, M Shim, F Motlhalo (Heap, 90), F Jordan (Kgatlana, 68), F Latsko (Prince, 90)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Henninger, M Hahn, M Wetherington, D Roccaro, M Falknor, Fakvist, D Murphy, D Dunnigan

TOTAL SHOTS: 4; SHOTS ON GOAL: 1; FOULS: 6; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 3

Attendance: 3,119

Weather: Cloudy, 48 degrees

All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 18, 2018


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