Two goals in the first seven minutes ensured the Portland Thorns would see their first three-game winning streak of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, but the reactions of the two teams at Piscataway, New Jersey’s, Yurcak Field were almost as telling as the 2-1 result.
When the final whistle blew on the rain-drenched match, the Thorns gathered in celebration at their penalty spot relieved at having survived a stoppage time barrage, as well as a second half in which Sky Blue FC had twice hit Britt Eckerstrom’s woodwork. The hosts, in large part, collapsed to their field, disappointed at the missed chance to earn their fourth draw of the season.