Entering this past weekend, the Portland Thorns found themselves outside of the playoff places in the National Women’s Soccer League table.
Having won the NWSL title last season, it was the cause of some concern for one of the favorites to win it all again this year.
A tough Friday match against a resurgent Houston Dash side was a test to see if the Thorns were indeed in trouble. The result put to rest any thought of the Thorns’ ability to win matches in big situations. A 3-1 win victory puts the defending champions in a three-way tie for third place based on points in the table.