PORTLAND — On Saturday, Reyna Reyes’s early first-half goal secured a 1-0 win for the Portland Thorns against the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League. This victory handed the Pride (5-0-2), who were crowned NWSL champions last season, their second defeat of the current season.
Portland (3-3-2) has maintained an undefeated streak at Providence Park this season, recording two wins and three draws so far. The Thorns have not experienced a home defeat since last October, when coincidentally, it was the Pride who last succeeded in a 2-0 triumph.
Reyes marked her debut goal for the Thorns this season in the 16th minute, skillfully navigating past three defenders before delivering a precise strike from outside the box, threading the ball just inside the post.
In an unfortunate incident early in the second half, Pride’s goalkeeper, Anna Moorhouse, was forced to exit the game following a collision with a Thorns player. McKinley Crone stepped in to make her season debut as the backup goalkeeper.
Sam Coffey made her return to the Thorns’ lineup after missing the previous week’s 3-3 tie against Racing Louisville due to an excused absence.
Portland’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, earned her second shutout of the season, closing the match with four saves. The Thorns’ triumph elevated them to third place in the league standings. Moreover, they have an impressive home record against the Pride, having won 10 out of 11 encounters.