Defensive principles intact, more potent Thorns take aim at second-straight title

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have come from behind to win each of their last two games, no mere footnote considering, over that time that straddled the end of the National Women’s Soccer League’s regular season, they were facing one of the league’s best defenses. But in those games against Seattle Reign FC, as well as the team’s Aug. 18, come-from-behind draw with the Chicago Red Stars, a slightly different mentality is emerging, if one that’s not entirely surprising given the reigning NWSL champions’ collection of talent.

“That was the key game, by the way,” Thorns head coach Mark Parsons said on Wednesday, discussing his team's evolving identity with reference to the that 2-2,…