Despite the fact that Portland Thorns FC were short-handed, tonight’s game was always going to be a tough one for the Washington Spirit, who have not had much success in Oregon over the years. However, the visitors dug deep, limiting the Thorns to just 12 shots despite intense late pressure and getting an 87th minute penalty kick save from Aubrey Bledsoe en route to a 1-1 draw.
Jim Gabarra made two changes to the team that fell 4-2 to North Carolina last week. Mallory Pugh moved back up to the forward line, starting on the right, while Meggie Dougherty Howard and Tori Huster came into the midfield on either side of Andi Sullivan.