Crystal Dunn (19 Portland Thorns FC) and Ally Schlegel (34 Chicago Red Stars) battle for the ball during the NWSL football match between the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns FC on Sunday June 18 at Seat Geek stadium, Bridgeview, USA. (Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP)
Last year, Portland went into the final weekend of the regular season in a position to win the Shield and missed out by drawing Gotham. This past weekend, Portland found themselves in the same exact position, the top of the table needing three points to close out the race for the Shield, but again fell short, falling to Angel City 5-1 in the Thorns biggest loss of the year.
“It was all around just poor,” Thorns midfielder and NWSL assist leader Sam Coffey stated. “I think we lost our cool in two really key moments when they scored their first goal and then at halftime, the first goal after the half. Those are moments we need to be better. I think we’re all… disappointed doesn’t cut it, or it’s not even the right word. I think I’m in shock, like, I can’t…
