Thorns fall on the road in return to league play despite return of Olympic internationals
Portland Thorns FC returned to NWSL play Saturday afternoon but struggled on the road, fallingto a 3-1 loss against Seattle Reign FC at Memorial Stadium in front of 5,888 fans. Manon Melis tallied a brace for Seattle before Allie Long scored a late consolation goal for Portland, though Megan Rapinoe would score with nearly the final kick of the match for the Reign.
Melis opened the scoring in the 27th minute, finishing first time over goalkeeper Michelle Betos off a pinpoint cross from Naho Kawasumi.