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NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Overcome Two-Goal Deficit to Secure 2-2 Draw on the Road

April 25, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


LISLE, Ill. - Portland Thorns FC remained unbeaten through their first three matches of the NWSL season, earning a come-from-behind, 2-2 draw against the Chicago Red Stars in front of 2,136 fans on Saturday night at Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill.

Despite surrendering a pair of goals in the opening eight minutes to forward Christen Press, Portland (2-0-1, 7pts) battled back to secure a point on the road as midfielder Mana Shim tallied the equalizer in the 47th minute of the match. After midfielder Allie Long's initial attempt was blocked, Shim settled the loose ball at the edge of the box and tucked a left-footed shot inside the right post for her second goal of the season.

Thorns FC and Chicago (1-0-1, 4pts) have now played to five consecutive draws, dating back to 2013 season. Portland improved to 2-1-5 all-time against the Red Stars and is unbeaten (2-0-3) in five road matches against Chicago.

Trailing 2-0 early in match, Thorns FC had consecutive chances cleared off the goal line in the 11th minute. Red Stars goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made a kick save on midfielder Taylor Comeau's point-blank attempt, while Shim's attempt on the rebound from close range was headed away at the goal line by Chicago defender Julie Johnston.

Making her first start of the 2015 campaign, forward Christine Sinclair cut Portland's deficit in half with a goal in the 29th minute. Long picked out Sinclair inside the box and she slid a well-placed shot through the defense and into the bottom left corner for her first goal of the season. The goal was the 16th of her Thorns FC career, moving into sole possession of first-place on Portland's all-time goal scoring list.

Searching for the game winner late in the match, midfielder Sinead Farrelly's shot from distance hit off the underside of the crossbar in the 74th minute, while goalkeeper Nadine Angerer made a key stop in the 83rd minute, batting away a dangerous free kick into the box by Chicago midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo.

Thorns FC return to the Rose City and will continue training next week in preparation for their match against the Washington Spirit on May 9 at Providence Park; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Pacific). The match will be broadcast live via web stream at www.portlandthornsfc.com.

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