The Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC put on a show at the NWSL Challenge Cup, exchanging chances throughout the match before settling for a 1-1 draw. After a scoreless first half, the teams both notched set piece goals, with Lindsey Horan opening the scoring in the 69th minute before Sam Staab got the Spirit a point with a 77th minute header that came after an audacious flick from Ashley Sanchez.
Portland’s high pressure created some nervy early moments for Washington in the back, but the Spirit had the game’s first real look at goal, with Kumi Yokoyama fizzing a 21 yard effort wide after showing some skill to control the ball.