Forwards Christine Sinclair and Sophia Smith each scored in the first half to help Portland Thorns FC beat NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-1 on Wednesday night. Smith scored to give the club the lead with her fifth goal of the season, and Sinclair added her third to help the Thorns become the first team in the NWSL to win ten games this season.

The Thorns' defense, which leads the league in shutouts, stood strong until late in the game when Carli Lloyd's header in the 78th minute gave Gotham FC a goal. Lloyd's goal is the third in the past eight league games for the Portland defense and the second at home since June 5.

The Thorns seized command early on, as their offense outshot Gotham FC 15-1 in the first 45 minutes. The club's two first-half goals were the result of that pressure. In 2021, Portland continues to shine at Providence Park. This season, the team is 6-1-1 at home, with four goals conceded at home being the fewest in league action in 2021.

With a special pre-game ceremony on Wednesday, the Thorns formally welcomed back their Olympians. For Portland's match against Gotham FC, Sinclair, midfielders Crystal Dunn and Lindsey Horan, and defender Becky Sauerbrunn all returned to the starting XI.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Scott Boldt]