The context of Saturday night’s game was almost more compelling than the result, one that saw Portland Thorns FC earn a valuable point with a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars. Because around Yuki Nagasato’s first-half goal and Lindsey Horan’s second-half equalizer, there was news of a deal bound to shake up the National Women’s Soccer League, one that not only cost the Red Stars three players against Portland but threatens to redefine a number of playoff-contending squads.
That’s what we know from a night that saw the Red Stars organization announce that midfielder Sofia Huerta, defender Sam Johnson, and defender/midfielder Taylor Comeau were being held out because of an impending trade.