NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Shut out North Carolina Courage in 0-0 Draw

Published on October 31, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Playing their final match of the regular season, Portland Thorns FC and North Carolina Courage played to a scoreless draw at Providence Park on Saturday night. Tonight's clean sheet was Portland's 13th of the season, setting a new NWSL single-season record. Thorns FC will host a semifinal match in the 2021 NWSL Playoffs at Providence Park on Nov. 14.

Playoffs Up Next

Thorns FC closed out the regular season in first place with a record of 13-6-5 (44 pts), earning the NWSL Shield for the second time in club history. Portland has secured the No. 1 seed in the 2021 NWSL Playoffs. As one of the top two seeds, Thorns FC have earned a quarterfinal bye and will host a semifinal match. Portland has qualified for the playoffs in each of the last five NWSL regular seasons. It marks the seventh time Thorns FC have qualified for the playoffs in eight NWSL regular seasons - the most of any team in the league.

Season Superlatives

Portland allowed the fewest goals in the league this season (17), which tied the NWSL single-season record (North Carolina, 2018) for fewest goals conceded. Thorns FC registered the second-most goals in the 2021 campaign (33). Portland created the most chances of any team this season with 331. Individually, Sophia Smith tallied a team-best seven goals. Lindsey Horan, Meghan Klingenberg and Morgan Weaver finished tied for the team lead with three assists each. Notably, 10 players recorded at least one goal, while seven different players scored two or more goals for the club in 2021.

New League Shutout Record

Thorns FC earned their 13th clean sheet of the season, setting a new NWSL single-season shutout record. Portland broke its previous club record of 11 clean sheets set during the 2017 season on Oct. 17 against the Houston Dash. Bella Bixby registered her ninth shutout in 16 appearances this season. Her nine shutouts are the second-most in the league this campaign.

Notes:

Portland closed out the regular season in first place with a record of 13-6-5 (44 pts).

Thorns FC set a new NWSL single-season record for shutouts (13).

Portland recorded its fifth shutout all-time against North Carolina.

Thorns FC finished the season with their second-most wins in club history (13), behind the 14 they recorded in 2017.

Portland conceded the fewest goals in NWSL this season (17).

Portland's 17 goals against is the fewest in club history, and tied the NWSL record for fewest goals allowed in a season (North Carolina, 2018).

Thorns FC registered the second-most goals in the league (33).

Bella Bixby recorded her ninth shutout in her 16th appearance this season.

Bixby has the second-most shutouts in the NWSL this year.

Angela Salem was named the Supporters Player of the Year.

Salem is the only player to appear in all 23 matches this season.

Sophia Smith led the team in chances created with four.

Christine Sinclair registered a team-high 11 possessions gained.

Yazmeen Ryan recorded her first career start.

Next Game

As the No. 1 seed in the NWSL Playoffs, Thorns FC have earned a quarterfinal bye and will host a semifinal match on Sunday, Nov. 14, at Providence Park. The Nov. 14 match will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and kickoff time is TBD.

Portland Thorns FC (13-6-5, 44pts) vs. North Carolina Courage (9-9-6, 33pts)

Oct. 30, 2021 - Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)

Goals by Half 1 2 F

Portland Thorns FC 0 0 0

North Carolina Courage 0 0 0

Scoring Summary:

None

Misconduct Summary:

None

Lineups:

POR: GK Bixby, D Hubly, D Menges, D Sauerbrunn, D Klingenberg (Pogarch, 64), M Salem (Moultrie, 79), M Horan (Kuikka, 64), M Ryan, M Sinclair ©, F S. Smith (Lussi, 90+4) , F Weaver (Charley, 79)

Substitutes Not Used: GK A. Smith, D Nally, M Boureille, M Everett

TOTAL SHOTS: 19 (Smith, 7); SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 (Smith, 3); FOULS: 13 (Smith, 3); OFFSIDES: 1; CORNER KICKS: 8; SAVES: 2

NCC: GK Murphy, D Mathias, D Kurtz, D Erceg ©, D Pickett, M Rodriguez, M O'Sullivan, M Roccaro, M Debinha, F McDonald, F L. Williams

Substitutes Not Used: GK Leshnak, D Fletcher, D Caldwell, M Agnew, M Speck, M Smith, F Ratcliffe, F Baisden, F James

TOTAL SHOTS: 20 (Rodriguez, 5); SHOTS ON GOAL: 2 (Debinha, McDonald, 1); FOULS: 4 (Four players tied with 4); OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 5

Referee: Greg Dopka

Assistant Referees: Jennifer Garner, Melissa Gonzales

4th Official: Jamie Padilla

Attendance: 17,584

Weather: Sunny, 57 degrees

All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial

Check out the Portland Thorns FC Statistics

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