The return of the Thorns!
Tonight’s match marked the return of the internationals to the league and the Portland Thorns team. Coach Rhian Wilkinson presented a starting XI with many of the starters from the last match against Gotham, but instead of Meghan Klingenberg and former Thorn Madison Pogarch, she put Becky Sauerbrunn and Natu Kuikka in the back four. Upfront she used Sophia Smith instead of Marissa Everett.
Things started pretty well for the Thorns with a goal by Sophia Smith, but Louisville caught up in the first half thanks to the Australian Alex Chidiac.