PORTLAND, Ore. – They were bounces that had not been going Portland Thorns FC’s way all year. The second-minute goal from Tobin Heath that looped over Utah Royals FC goalkeeper Abby Smith. The deflected Lindsey Horan pass that fell to Ana Crnogoru010deviu0107 in the 32nd minute that she was able to finish with one touch.
In the players’ and coaching staff’s minds, it was hard to remember when those types of chances had been breaking Portland’s way previously this season, part of the reason why the Thorns’ 4-0 victory over the Royals at Providence Park felt so reassuring come the final whistle.