Portland Thorns FC traveled to Chicago and defeated the Red Stars 1-0 after a gritty defensive performance. The Thorns stay at the top of the West group with six points.
In the Thorns’ second match of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, they were dealing with a depleted roster and didn’t have their head coach Mark Parsons on the sideline. Portland was still without their international stars and Simone Charley and Parsons were serving their suspension for being red-carded in the previous match.
Both teams struggled to get control early but the Red Stars grew into the match.