The Houston Dash handed the Portland Thorns a 3-2 defeat after the Thorns battled back from two goals down to tie the game. Rachel Daly was the victor. Before this game, clubs from all across the NWSL paused play in the sixth minute to show unity. The Thorns' players also issued a statement, upon which general manager Gavin Wilkinson was placed on administrative leave with the team, effective immediately. Around an hour later, the Thorns and Dash faced a battle in Providence Park. Portland got out to a good start, trying to get its forwards in stride behind the Houston defense. Sophia Smith took a left and crossed the street. Christine Sinclair was on the receiving end of a deflected ball near the top of the box. Jane Campbell saved the Canadian's shot because it was just too light.

Houston's press caused difficulties for Portland, constantly turning the Thorns over, and it wasn't long until the Dash took advantage. Shea Groom drove towards the Portland defense in the 17th minute. Nichelle Prince received the ball when she cut inside. The ball impacted Sauerbrunn's elbow, and the referee awarded a penalty. Rachel Daly went up and made the conversion right there on the spot.

In the 23rd minute, the Dash made it 2-0. A free-kick was kicked into the box by the Dash. It was headed away by Lindsey Horan, but it was immediately returned to the box. Bella Bixby was beaten to the ball by Kristie Mewis, who poked it into the back of the net. Portland reacted positively. The Thorns had trimmed the deficit in half after only seven minutes. Horan curled a low cross past the Houston defenders and into Sinclair's stride, where he scored.

Weaver was played down the flank by Horan. It was trimmed to Sinclair by Weaver. The Canadian's touch failed her, and she missed the target with her shot. Horan added a second assist, bringing Portland level. Horan passed through Smith in transition, who fought off a challenge before finishing past Campbell. Late in the game, the Thorns had an opportunity to tie it up. Smith sent it wide to Horan, who returned it to Smith in the area, but Smith's attempt curled just wide. The Thorns' only genuine opportunity of the game came at that point, and the Dash triumphed for the first time in Portland since 2015.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Scott Boldt]