Sophia Smith took no time to get on the scoresheet in the NWSL.
In Saturday’s 5-4 loss to Kansas City, Smith had two goals for the brace, nearly leading the Thorns to an astonishing comeback after they fell down 5-1.
Ahead of the opener, Smith spoke with ESPN FC about the difficulties of the start of the season, particularly given the transition back from time with the USWNT in the Concacaf W Gold Cup.
“It’s always hard. This time in particular, I would say it’s a little bit harder just because you know we missed basically all of preseason with the Gold Cup,” she said. “And you kind of look around and we have some new faces, so it’s a matter of getting to know your teammates while also realizing you have to turn around and play a game together.
“So it’s hard, but we have the best group right now. The new players have come in and played their role, and it’s exciting.”
Ahead of the season opener, Smith says she had just two training sessions with Portland where the team was together in its entirety.
“It’s definitely not ideal, but I think for the players that got to play in the Gold Cup, we do have games under our belt now,” she added. “Which I think can…
