Portland Thorns x Racing Louisville FC

On Saturday night at a lively Providence Park, the Portland Thorns were back in league play against Racing Louisville FC. As has been their custom, the Thorns wasted no time in humbling the visitors when the whistle blew. Christine Sinclair scored the 60th goal of her career in only the second minute of play. Sophia Smith set up the oncoming Sinclair with a pass into the Louisville box. The Canadian didn't miss, as her well-placed shot put the Thorns up 1-0.

Morgan Weaver doubled that advantage just before halftime with another goal off a similar passage of play to the first goal. Sophia Smith, causing havoc down the left flank with her disruptive approach, slashed a pass over the six-yard box. Midfielder Hina Sugita's dummy created a lane for the incoming pass, as Weaver would tap it in.

Even when the game slowed down in the last 20 minutes, the Thorns maintained their composure and dominated the match. They would close it out, remaining calm even when Louisville looked poised to threaten them. However, they would hold out, and at the final whistle, the Thorns had a convincing 2-0 victory to their credit.

[Photography by Jackie Shinstrom]