On Sunday, the Portland Thorns understood why Gotham FC has allowed the fewest goals in the NWSL this season. The Thorns couldn't find a way to score in front of an unlimited crowd for the first time since the pandemic began, settling for a scoreless stalemate at home that lacked goals but not excitement.

In the 27th minute, a well-weighted ball upfield from Everett released Weaver into space. Weaver connected with the long ball took a touch and blasted the shot past DiDi Haracic's legs. Haracic's hit caused the ball to slow down, and Estelle Johnson, a Gotham defender, pursued it down and cleared it away from the goal line. However, Gotham had the finest chance of the game in the 81st minute, which was nearly assisted and scored by two former Thorns. Midge Purce crossed the ball into the area, and Ifeoma Onumonu rose to head it off the inside of the post from close range. Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby then smothered the ball as it deflected off her.

The Thorns faced Gotham FC for the third time this season, including in the NWSL Challenge Cup final in May. The Thorns won the Challenge Cup trophy in a penalty kick shootout following a 1-1 tie. It was the Thorns' first shootout in club history.

Despite losing to Gotham in the Challenge Cup final, Parsons was upbeat about the game but was less optimistic about Sunday's draw, which he believed was justified.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Scott Boldt]