Put it in the history books and move on. That’s what many around Portland Thorns FC might want to do about last week’s result – a three-goal, home loss to the league-leading North Carolina Courage – but the shock result serves as a barometer. Twelve points ahead of the rest of the league, the Courage are the standard the NWSL’s other contenders have to reach. Wednesday’ lopsided loss showed the league’s defending champions just how far they have to go.
“I can’t wait to get to work,” Thorns head coach Mark Parsons said after the team’s 4-1 defeat, both looking forward and recognizing the improvement that needed to happen.