Boston Legacy FC emerged from a dramatic finish at Providence Park with a 4–2 victory over Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, October 3, in the National Women’s Soccer League. Portland played with 10 players from the 22nd minute but twice pulled within a goal before Amanda Gutierres’ strikes in the 88th minute and at 90+3 sealed the visitors’ win.

Dismissal puts Portland on the back foot

The fixture’s first major turning point arrived when Sophia Wilson received a red card in the 22nd minute, leaving the Thorns facing more than an hour with a numerical disadvantage.

Boston turned that advantage into a commanding lead with two goals in four minutes. Alba Caño broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, and Sarah Schupansky added the visitors’ second in the 39th. Portland reached halftime trailing 2–0, with both the deficit and Wilson’s absence complicating their route back into the match.

Tordin’s penalty revives the contest

The Thorns found a lifeline through Pietra Tordin, who converted a penalty in the 59th minute to make it 2–1. Boston goalkeeper Casey Murphy had been booked a minute earlier.

Despite being a player short, Portland remained competitive. The hosts finished with 14 shots and eight on target, matching Boston’s tally of efforts on target. The Legacy nevertheless held the broader statistical advantage, registering 22 shots and 58.3 percent possession.

With only one goal separating the sides for much of the second half, Boston’s halftime cushion had become considerably less comfortable.

Gutierres settles a frantic finale

Substitute Amanda Gutierres restored Boston’s two-goal advantage in the 88th minute, making it 3–1. Even then, Portland refused to let the contest fade quietly: Shae Harvey struck in the 90th minute to bring the Thorns back within one.

A draw remained within Portland’s reach, but Gutierres delivered the decisive response at 90+3. Her second goal of the evening completed the 4–2 result and ended the hosts’ comeback hopes.

For Boston, the victory combined a productive first-half spell with crucial late contributions from the bench. Portland showed resolve after Wilson’s dismissal, but the visitors answered both of their second-half goals and left Providence Park with all three points.

Next fixtures

Boston Legacy FC next face Racing Louisville FC on Friday, October 16, at 5:00 PM PDT. Portland Thorns FC return to action against Bay FC on Sunday, October 18, at 2:00 PM PDT.