A strange night of statistical dominance and nervy execution from the Thorns saw them leave the field with a 1-0 win and also wanting more up against a Dash team on short rest and in tricky circumstances. With North Carolina sealing the NWSL shield in a simultaneous game and the Red Stars also winning, the Thorns needed to win to keep themselves in contention to host a home playoff game for a fourth straight year.
Emily Sonnett returned to the Thorns starting lineup after missing the blowout loss to the Courage because of two yellow cards received in the game before.