If it’s time for us to move on to Portland Thorns FC's second game of the season (July 1 vs. Chicago Red Stars, 9:30am PT, CBS All Access), we should do so remembering their first game was special, and for a number of reasons.
Not only was Saturday’s 2-1 loss the first game of the NWSL’s Challenge Cup but it also represented as severe a test as the Thorns could have faced – a matchup against the two-time defending league champions North Carolina Courage. With seven changes from the last time Portland took the field – in October’s 1-0, semifinal loss at the Chicago Red Stars –- the Thorns took an even scoreline deep into extra time, when a converted cross from the Courage gave the league’s pacesetters their winning margin.