PORTLAND, Ore. – As much as Portland Thorns FC preaches the virtues of its collective, it’s a collective that’s built as a platform for its individuals. That’s why Lindsey Horan is a leading Most Valuable Player candidate, Tobin Heath is on a two-month stretch of playing at possibly a world-best level, and, when the team was down so many individuals due to injury and absence at the beginning of the year, the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season got off to a measured start.
But amid the team’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Seattle Reign FC on Saturday at Providence Park – one that clinched a chance to defend their league title next Saturday in the NWSL Championship Game – it was other individuals who stepped up, too, reminding everybody of the talent base that exists beyond the team’s top-line stars.