NWSL The Washington Spirit delivered a significant comeback performance, securing a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns at Providence Park. After conceding an early penalty, the Spirit rallied in the second half with two unanswered goals, demonstrating resilience on the road against a strong Portland Thorns W side.
- Washington Spirit defeated Portland Thorns 2-1.
- Sophia Olivia Smith scored for Portland in the 18th minute.
- Tara McKeown and Melissa Bethi scored for Washington in the 59th and 80th minutes, respectively.
- The Spirit overcame a 1-0 deficit to claim all three points.
- Andi Sullivan received a red card for Washington in stoppage time.
Smith opens the scoring from the spot
The Portland Thorns started strongly, with Sophia Olivia Smith converting a penalty in the 18th minute to put the home side ahead. This early lead came despite the Spirit commanding more possession, holding 55% of the ball compared to Portland’s 45% over the full 90 minutes. However, the first half also saw the Washington Spirit accumulate two yellow cards in quick succession, with Monique Ngock booked in the 26th minute and Tara McKeown in the 32nd, indicating a physical contest.
Spirit’s second-half surge
Washington found their equalizer from the penalty spot in the 59th minute, as Tara McKeown netted to level the score. The visitors then pressed their advantage, with Melissa Bethi striking in the 80th minute to complete the comeback and put the Spirit 2-1 up. Despite the Thorns registering a total of 18 shots compared to Washington’s 10, and 7 shots on target to the away side’s 5, the Spirit proved more clinical when it mattered. The Portland Thorns, playing at Providence Park, could not convert their higher volume of attempts into goals.
Late drama as Washington holds on
The closing stages of the match saw increased tension and a flurry of cards. Portland’s Jayden Lee Perry received a yellow card in the 90th minute, followed immediately by a yellow card for Washington’s Andi Sullivan, who then received a second yellow and a red card in the same minute. Despite being reduced to ten players, the Spirit held firm to secure the 2-1 victory against the Portland Thorns. This result marks a significant road win for Washington, who recovered from a goal down and closed out a tight NWSL fixture.
This hard-fought win will boost the Washington Spirit as they continue their campaign, while the Portland Thorns will look to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat despite their attacking efforts.
