PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s been a goal every year of Portland Thorns FC’s existence, but in a season in which the NWSL Championship game is scheduled to return to Providence Park, that goal took on increased importance. That is why, after Friday’s 3-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC, the players’ climbed into the North End to celebrate with the crown, one that will get a chance to support their team again eight days from now, with Portland having clinched home-field advantage in next week’s NWSL semifinals.
“It was amazing, especially because we started off the game a little slow,” attacker Tobin Heath said, the Thorns having given up a fourth-minute goal to Seattle’s Jessica Fishlock.