“Celeste Boureille was everywhere tonight,” said Portland Thorns coach Mark Parsons in the post-match press conference after his team’s 2-0 away victory over Racing Louisville FC. “I think Celeste Boureille tackled everyone on the team. I think Celeste Boureille intercepted off of everyone on the team and touched every blade of grass in this amazing stadium. So I think we start there. I think it’s important to recognize she stepped in and stepped up.”
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Stepping in and stepping up is integral to an NWSL team’s success while key players are away during international tournaments.