PORTLAND, Ore. — At some point, the issue will have to be addressed and solved. It’s been lingering over Portland Thorns FC since this time last summer, when the team’s inability to finish their chances on goal was the biggest thing that kept them from 2020’s Challenge Cup title.
On Sunday at Providence Park, the issue resurfaced saved one-on-one chances, two first-half balls cleared off the NY/NJ Gotham FC goalline, and a second-half strike by Morgan Weaver that tested the integrity of the North End’s right post. On the full return of fans to Portland home, the Thorns posted a massive advantage in shots, but no edge on the scoreboard in the teams’ 0-0 draw.