Washington Spirit produced a composed second-half comeback to defeat Portland Thorns FC 2-1 at Providence Park on Sunday, overturning an early Sophia Wilson penalty with goals from Tara Rudd and Melissa Bethi.
Portland made the stronger start on the scoreboard and went ahead in the 18th minute when Wilson converted from the penalty spot. The Thorns carried that 1-0 advantage into half-time, despite Washington seeing more of the ball across the match.
The Spirit found their response after the interval. Rudd, who had been booked in the 32nd minute, held her nerve from 12 yards in the 59th minute to level the fixture at 1-1. Washington then completed the turnaround in the 80th minute, when Bethi supplied the decisive goal.
Portland pressed for an equaliser late on and finished with 18 shots, including seven on target, compared with Washington’s 10 attempts and five efforts on target. But the visitors made their opportunities count, while also edging possession 55.3% to 44.7%.
The closing stages were heated. Washington’s Andi Sullivan was shown a yellow card in the 90th minute before being sent off in the seventh minute of stoppage time, while Portland’s Jayden Perry was booked in the 90th+3 minute. The Spirit nevertheless saw out the result to leave Oregon with all three points.
Portland Thorns FC return to action against Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, September 13. Washington Spirit next face Boston Legacy FC on the same day.
Goals
- Portland Thorns FC: Sophia Wilson 18′ (penalty)
- Washington Spirit: Tara Rudd 59′ (penalty)
- Washington Spirit: Melissa Bethi 80′
