Portland and the OL Reign played to their first 0-0 draw since May 29, 2016. The draw ensures the Thorns’ the eight seed and a July 17 matchup with the North Carolina Courage.
The Thorns played their last group stage match of the NWSL Challenge Cup against OL Reign, who had shut out the Thorns in their previous three meetings in the Cascadia Derby. It was a bit of a must-win for both teams because a loss might mean taking on the North Carolina Courage in the first knockout-round match.
Portland started the match well. Rocky Rodriguez, Celeste Boureille and Angela Salem pressed effectively in the midfield to recover the ball quickly and pin back the Reign.