NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Late Comeback Falls Short in 3-2 Loss for Thorns FC against Western

Published on September 4, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Portland Thorns FC scored a goal late in second-half stoppage time, but could not overcome an early three-goal deficit, falling 3-2 on the road in their final match of the 2015 NWSL season against the Western New York Flash in front of 4,147 at Sahlen's Stadium on Friday night.

Midfielder Allie Long led a late charge in the second half as Thorns FC (6-9-5, 23pts) outshot the Flash 8-4 in the final 45 minutes, while Long registered her team-leading 10th goal of the season in the final minutes of second-half stoppage time.

Trailing 3-0 after the first 25 minutes, forward Jodie Taylor scored for a second consecutive match, finishing a low, well-placed cross played into the box by forward Alex Morgan from the left side for the finish from close range in the 29th minute.

Portland continued to attack as two chances just missed late in the first half. Taylor connected with a pinpoint cross by midfielder Sinead Farrelly from the right side near the penalty spot with a looping header in the 44th minute that sailed just over the crossbar. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Long lined up a free kick near the left side of the box, bending a shot around the wall towards the upper-right corner that bounced off the crossbar.

With time winding down in the second half, Taylor played a well-timed through ball into space for midfielder Mana Shim running down the left side. Shim dribbled into the box and cut the back towards the middle firing a shot towards the near post. Western New York goalkeeper Chantel Jones was unable to make the save and Long pounced on the loose ball for the finish. Shim tallied her fourth assist of the season on the play.

Thorns FC created several other goal scoring opportunities in the second half, including a pair of free kicks. Long had another attempt go just over the bar in the 51st minute, while midfielder Lianne Sanderson delivered a low, swerving free kick from 25 yards out towards the left post that was saved by Jones.

Friday marked the conclusion of the 2015 NWSL season for Portland. The 2015 NWSL Championship match will take place at Providence Park on Thursday, Oct. 1; kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (Pacific) with a national television broadcast on FOX Sports 1.

Check out the Portland Thorns FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Women's Soccer League Stories from September 4, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central