After opening the season undefeated in their first four games the Thorns fell 1-3 to the Washington Spirit. Portland looked a step behind Washington for most of the match, playing a more reactive brand of soccer. Especially since the departure of Lindsey Horan, the Thorns have built their attack primarily through the wings, and struggled against the Spirit’s solid central midfield.
Washington, on the other hand, did a good job connecting passes and dictating the pace of the game, choosing moments to push into the attack and threaten the Thorns.
The Spirit found their way onto the scoresheet in the 16th minute.