The Portland Thorns have garnered four points through their first two 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup matches. They drew at OL Reign 1-1 in a match in which the Thorns’ offense looked disjointed and Sophia Smith looked isolated from the rest of the team. In Portland’s second match, they traveled to San Diego and defeated the Wave 1-0 thanks to S. Smith’s early goal.
The Thorns only made one change to their starting XI heading into Torero Stadium, as Abby Smith came in for Bella Bixby in goal. Portland only scored one goal in the match but the team’s cohesion going forward looked much improved for the majority of the match and attacking principles became far more evident.