PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Thorns are back on top of the NWSL, though by day’s end, the standings could revert. The Orlando Pride were still playing a match against Gotham FC while the Thorns did their ceremonial postgame lap at Providence Park, doing so after a Simone Charley goal elevated them to a 1-0 victory against Kansas City NWSL. If Orlando produced a similar result at home, Portland would be back in second place by the time the players pulled up to their homes.
Whether Portland ended Sunday in first, the standings will reflect the type of progress that June is all about.