Photo: Michelle Morrison
The Portland Thorns defeated the Kansas City Current 2-0 to win their third NWSL Championship.
The Championship match, which aired on CBS and streamed on various platforms simultaneously, capped off a historic 10th NWSL Season. Prior to the match, the league honored players who had played in every single NWSL season (a jacket presentation to those who were in attendance and mention of those who couldn’t be there) and then we were off.
A few lineup notes for the championship; after subbing out early in the semifinal match, CeCe Kizer was in the starting lineup for the Current. Christine Sinclair returned to the lineup for the Thorns after starting the semifinal on the bench and coming on as a very late sub.
No sooner had the match started, Portland had its first opportunity when KC was called for a foul a few yards outside of the box. The resulting free kick was low and hit the wall before being cleared out, but the Thorns wouldn’t have to wait much longer to get on the scoresheet. Newly crowned league MVP Sophia Smith found herself with the opportunity for a breakaway. Elizabeth Ball attempted to tackle the ball away but sort or slipped/missed, allowing Smith to go one one one with AD Franch. Smith made a move to the left and easily slotted it into the far post to put Portland up 1-0 in just the fourth minute. It was a bit of a plot twist in the sense that KC had scored quick goals in both the quarter final and semifinal matches.
The Thorns offense continued to pressure the Current; getting past the defense and creating some potentially dangerous chances. They seemed to have space everywhere on the pitch both in the middle and along the flanks which allowed them to create some potentially dangerous chances. However, the Current defense managed to recover and keep the Thorns from adding to their tally.
On the other side of the ball, the Current offense was not quite as active and dangerous as they have in the past. It seemed after the early Portland goal, everyone minus Kristen Hamilton dropped back into a lower, more defensive position on the field. The few times they generated an attack in the first half, they were unable to convert, with a long curler from Alex Loera going right into Biixby’s hands and a solid strike from Kate Del Fava sailing just over the top of the goal. The half ended with Portland up 1-0 from that early Smith goal.
The second half started out a little more evenly matched. Weaver had an early break down the side, but gave KC too much time to recover and nothing really came from it. The Current looked a little better than the first half; they were defending better, had a little more possession but were still missing that strong attack.
Portland soon took advantage of the space they were given on the field when Yazmeen Ryan; alone on the right wing, received the ball and put in a quick cross. Franch made an initial stop but the ball was loose and bounced awkwardly off of a Current defender and into the back of the net to give Portland a 2-0 lead. Portland continued their attack as shortly after, Weaver had an excellent shot from the top of the box, but Franch was able to tip it over the goal and out of play.
The Current offense tried to pick it up more in the latter part of the half; Hamilton took the ball deep into Thorns territory in an attempt to make something happen, but the ball went over the touchline and was ruled to be last touched by Hamilton, resulting in a Thorns goal kick. Lo’eau Labonta moved into more of an attacking position than she had been playing in the first half but was unable to connect on a cross in the box. Hailie Mace also had a great opportunity to find a player in the box, but Bixby was able to come out and grab it before any real danger could ensue.
Despite the Current attack showing more promise, the Thorns defense, especially Becky Sauerbrunn, had a standout performance and didn’t allow and real danger to head their way. On the other end of the field, Franch made some solid saves in an effort to keep the Current in it, including an amazing save in the 71st minute. Hina Sugita, a fairly early second half sub for the Thorns, sent a rocket toward the Current goal, but Franch was able to fully stretch out and get a hand on it to keep Portland from going up 3-0. The Kansas City defense as a whole had some really bright spots in an effort to keep the team in it.
In the end, despite an excellent season from the Current, this game was just not their game. The team and players put in a great effort as they had all season, but were unable to to stop the Thorns who were excellent both offensively and defensively.
With the 2-0 win against the Current, the Thorns took home their third NWSL championship; having won the inaugural NWSL Championship in 2013 and again in 2017. Sophia Smith was named MVP for the second time in just a few days timespan as she took home the award for the NWSL Championship game MVP.
