It took 42 seconds for Bella Bixby to be tested. A cross came in from her left, and despite a couple of defenders’ attempts to clear it, the ball fell to Ebony Salmon’s right foot. But by the time the Louisville attacker shot, Bixby had cut off her angles.
It was the only save of a half that meant as much for Bixby’s minutes played as any other number. Making her first appearance since last summer’s Challenge Cup, Bixby completed a comeback which, because of her role as Adrianna Franch’s backup, seemed to have been forgotten. Come full time, Bixby’d made four saves, helped Portland Thorns FC to a 2-0 win at Louisville, and showed the same command we saw at Challenge Cup.