Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com

Dave Petchy
Views: 47
0 0
Read Time:5 Minute, 17 Second

[ad_1]

Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – www.espn.com – SOCCER

, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com

Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com

The Portland Thorns claimed the 2022 NWSL Championship with a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current on Saturday night.

NWSL MVP Sophia Smith put the Thorns up 1-0 in the fourth minute, pouncing on a defensive miscue to finish off a breakaway opportunity. The Thorns remained in control for much of the match and finally doubled their lead in the 56th minute, with Yazmeen Ryan’s low cross deflecting off Current defender Addisyn Merrick into the net for an own goal.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

Kansas City did what it could to get back into the match, but with Portland looking composed in defense, the Current never looked all that threatening, and the Thorns were deserved winners.

JUMP TO: Player ratings | Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Key stats

Rapid reaction

1. A trying season for the Thorns ends with a title

Portland’s players and coaches weren’t the only ones to have to deal with the trauma of the abuse scandal that rocked the entire league, but the Thorns still had plenty with which to cope. Not only were the allegations made against former manager Paul Riley featured prominently in the Yates Report, but Portland executives, including owner Merritt Paulson, came in for heavy criticism as well. The organization’s president of soccer, Gavin Wilkinson, and president of business, Mike Golub, were fired. The ensuing weeks saw Thorns fans demanding that Paulson sell both the Thorns and MLS side the Portland Timbers — even after he stepped down as CEO — and the Thorns owner chose not to attend Saturday’s final.

Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!

goldman casino online
GoldmanCasino.com, Est: 2015 - Known only for being Fair, Trustworthy, Fast Paying and its selection of over 2750 remarkable best in class casino, slots, live casino and instant with games.
Trusted Casinos Online
We List Only the Most  Trusted Casinos Online - All Casinos Have Real Money & Demo Free Play Mode Available.
100% Verified RNG, Player Funds Ring-Fenced
100% Verified RNG, Player Funds Ring-Fenced
Get ready for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with Rainbow Riches Megaways, the exciting new slot game that puts a twist on the classic Irish luck theme. With an incredible 117,649 ways to win, this game offers endless possibilities for big payouts and non-stop action. Spin the reels and keep an eye out for the leprechaun, who just might lead you to a fortune. With cascading reels, free spins, and an unlimited win multiplier, Rainbow Riches Megaways will keep you on the edge of your seat as you chase after that elusive rainbow. So put on your lucky charm and get ready to hit the jackpot in this magical and exciting adventure. PLAY WITH €£$100 Welcome Bonus NOW!

Dream Catcher is the Latest Live Casino Craze!
Play Dream Catcher and Win Up to 40x Stake at Goldman Live Casino!
Play in over 172 Countries with Multiple Currencies - and BitCoin Too! Spin the mystery wheel NOW!

Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!


*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

              secure-casino

100% Satisfaction Guarantee
100% Satisfaction Guarantee

playWild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!

Get ready to spin the reels of the Wild West with Dead or Alive, a thrilling slot game that will transport you to a time when outlaws ruled the land. Will you be able to hit the jackpot and come out on top, or will you be left six feet under? Only time will tell in this high-stakes game of luck and strategy. So grab your cowboy hat and get ready to ride into the sunset, because in Dead or Alive, it's truly a matter of life or death. Play Dead or Alive Slot with £$€100 Bonus NOW!

20 Book of Dead Free Spins!
$€£ Goldman Casino - £100 FREE Bonus Offer + FREE SPINS :)
Free spins from deposit

Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.

Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

register NOW!

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!

 
slotjar online slots casino
SlotJar.com: Est: 2014 - At Slot Jar it's all about the very best games, and strong banking for customers. At SlotJar players have 100% confidence in the casino to look after their interests. Fully Tried and Tested for YEARS!

fast payout casinosSlotJar Safe Online Casino

Join Thousands of Excited Players at SlotJar Today. SlotJar a firm favorite with players from across the globe. Since 2014 Slot Jar has held an enviable reputation for it's service to valued players. No wonder SlotJar is so popular, and visited so often.
Join Thousands of Excited Players Online and Mobile at SlotJar Today. SlotJar a firm favorite with phone casino and big and small money slots players from across the globe. Since 2014 Slot Jar has held an enviable reputation for it's service to valued players. No wonder SlotJar is so popular, and visited so often!

slotjar online slots casino

play

Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

lucks casino logo
LucksCasino.com: Est 2014 - Long Established, Paying out seamlessly every day for Ten Years!

Get 100% Bonus up to £200!*
LucksCasino Play Up to £$€200 FREE!
$€£ SMS Phone Billing Accepted - Top Live Casino Games

Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!

  • Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Reel King Mega
Reel King Features Reel King – 1-2 Reel Kings with 8-12 Spins Super King – 2-3 Reel Kings with 8-20 spins. Mega King – 3-6 Reel Kings with 8-25 Spins. Depending on which Reel King Feature you got, 1 – 6 Reel Kings will appear over the reels. The player begins on the leftmost position on the free spins trail, and each Reel King will spin his reels, with prizes available depending on the winning combination you get.
Reel King Mega
Reel King Megaways has 6 reels, and 3 or more matching symbols will form a win starting from the left-most reel. Each reel is capable of holding between 2-7 symbols, and all of these together will determine how many ways to win there are. Ways to win varies every spin depending on how many of these symbols show up on each reel, and can reach that much love 117,649 ways to win, which is maybe the defining feature from Megaways slots that we all know and love.

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

Secure PaymentsPlay Securely at LucksCasino.com

play

Trust

100% Bonus up to £200!
SlotJar Casino International $€£ - UKGC Site for Fast Cash Outs!
20 Free spins on Book of Dead from deposit

SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.

Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!

*18+ Only Full Terms Apply. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

A Top UK Casino Slots Amusements Game!
PLAY Lucks Casino Fishin' Frenzy Megaways - Special Feature for Big Wins!
Get 100% up to £200 Free Spins Bonus!

Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!


**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

A Top Site for Live Dealer Cash Outs!
Play Live Dealer Casino Cash Games with Lucks Casino UK! Pay $£€200 & PLAY £$€400 NOW!*
Choose from Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker!

Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!

*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Play Triple Edge Poker, Pay $€£200, Play £€$400*
Play Betsoft Triple Edge Poker at SlotJar.com Casino

Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.

The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:

  • Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
  • High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
  • Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
  • Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
  • Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
  • Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.

*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Our Pick - Play Now for 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead
TopSlotSite UK Bonus Offer HERE!
Best Selection of Games!

Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply

100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.


*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Top Slot Site in the World

Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.

Play Top Slot Site

topslotsite.com
TopSlotSite.com - For the slots enthusiast Top Slot Site has absolutely every thing set up for success.  Play with $€£100 Bonus at the World's Top Slot Site.

Our Pick - Play Now for 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead
TopSlotSite UK Bonus Offer HERE!
Best Selection of Games!

Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply

100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.


*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Goldman Casino 20p Roulette - For Big Wins!
Goldman Casino £0.20p / $€0.20c Roulette Promotion! Get 100% up to £$€100 FREE!*
+ 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Slot (min. deposit £10)

GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.

This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.

Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.

At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.

Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.

In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.

In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!


*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Play Goldman Casino

Choose from over 2800 Casino & Slots Games at LucksCasino.com! £$€200 Welcome Bonus
Choose from over 2800 Casino & Slots Games at LucksCasino.com! £$€200 Welcome Bonus
Get up to 100% Welcome Bonus NOW!

Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.

Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.

Get £€$200 Welcome BONUS NOW!

At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.

We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.

As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.

So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

100% Bonus up to £200!
SlotJar Casino International $€£ - UKGC Site for Fast Cash Outs!
20 Free spins on Book of Dead from deposit

SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.

Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!

*18+ Only Full Terms Apply. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

A Fantastic Slot with Unlimited Free Spins Potential!
Play Legacy of Dead Slot at TopSlotSite.com with 100% up to £$€100 FREE!
Top Slot Site is UKGC Regulated for a Sophisticated Experience

Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!

Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!


**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Get 100% Bonus up to £200!*
LucksCasino Play Up to £$€200 FREE!
$€£ SMS Phone Billing Accepted - Top Live Casino Games

Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!

  • Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

Book of the Dead Online Slot: Book of Dead is a popular online slot game that has become a favorite among many players. Here are some advantages of playing the Book of Dead slot game: High Jackpot: The Book of Dead slot game offers a maximum jackpot of up to 250,000 coins, which is a considerable amount that can be won with just one spin. Free Spins: The game offers a free spins feature, where players can win additional spins without having to wager any additional money. This can increase the chances of hitting the jackpot or other significant payouts. Trust Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.
Book of the Dead Online Slot
Simple and Easy to Play: The game is straightforward to play and understand, even for beginners. The game's rules and features are easy to grasp, and there are no complex strategies or skills required to win. Mobile Compatibility: The game is available to play on both desktop and mobile devices, which makes it easy to play anywhere and anytime. Popular and Trusted Game: Book of Dead is a well-known and trusted game in the online gambling industry, with a large following of dedicated players. This means that players can expect a fair and reliable gaming experience. Bonus Features: The game offers a range of bonus features, including expanding symbols and gamble features, which can increase the chances of hitting big payouts. Overall, playing the Book of Dead slot game offers players the chance to win a significant jackpot, enjoy an exciting and immersive theme, and benefit from a range of bonus features, all in a simple and easy-to-play format. PLAY NOW WITH £$€100 Welcome Bonus!
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
100% Satisfaction Guarantee when you deposit and play this game at LucksCasino.com today. Check it out Now!

play

Truth Be Told: The Fight for Women’s Professional Soccer, stream on ESPN+.

Yet the Thorns players and staff showed incredible resolve through all of the upheaval, with first-year manager Rhian Wilkinson finding the right balance between giving players space or providing support when that was needed.

Of course, it helped that Portland has a talented team with exemplary balance between attack and defense. The veteran presence of Becky Sauerbrunn, Meghan Klingenberg and Christine Sinclair was vital, as was the outstanding play of Smith. Players like Rocky Rodriguez and Ryan emerged as well to give the Thorns more options in attack. It all added up to a stellar season that ended with the team’s third NWSL championship.

Learn more about Gambling!  Hornets F Miles Bridges Cuts Plea Deal In Domestic Violence Case – OutKick - uBetMobile.com

2. Smith for show, defense for dough

Smith’s outstanding NWSL season saw her become the league’s youngest MVP in history. She continued that form in the final, pouncing on a mistake by Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball to run in alone to round goalkeeper AD Franch and put the ball in an empty net. She is now the youngest player to score in an NWSL Championship and the second NWSL player to win league MVP and score in an NWSL Championship in the same season, joining Lynn Williams, who accomplished the feat with the Western New York Flash in 2016.

Smith remained an absolute handful for the remainder of the first half and had several chances to score, including a 28th-minute effort that saw her beat three opponents and fire just inches wide of the far post.

Portland’s win was by no means a one-woman affair. Ryan in particular was a menace in attack and it was her cross that led to the own goal.

The Thorns had their defense to thank as well. While the Current did take nine shots, none of them were on goal. Portland midfielders Sam Coffey and Rodriguez provided an effective bulwark, and the back line, ably led by Sauerbrunn, was well positioned to clean up any threats that managed to get through. Natalia Kuikka was also impressive on both sides of the ball.

3. Disappointment for KC, but future still bright

It was a night where the magnitude of the occasion seemed to get to the Current, with a basic error creating an early deficit, one that they could never quite overcome. Portland’s possession game oftentimes manipulated Kansas City’s defensive shape, with central midfielders Desiree Scott and Alexis Loera getting pulled out of the middle. That created space for Portland’s attack to break through.

Once Portland scored its second goal, Kansas City threw more into attack, bringing on Elyse Bennett, but was unable to find a goal. Attacking midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta never really got going to provide the kind of offensive threat the Current needed.

But this doesn’t figure to be the last time that Kansas City finds itself in a championship final. Owners Angie and Chris Long, as well as Brittany Mahomes, have invested over $135 million for a new training facility and stadium, and that should do plenty to attract quality players. This is a team and organization on the rise.

Learn more about Gambling!  East Coast Gaming Congress confirms roster with over 50 experts and leaders, full schedule for 2022 edition - uBetMobile.com

Player ratings

Kansas City: Franch 5; Merrick 4, Ball 3, Edmonds 5; Del Fava 5, LaBonta 4, Scott 5, Loera 5, Mace 5; Hamilton 5, Kizer 6
Subs: Bennett 5, Rodriguez 5

Portland: Bixby 6 Kuikka 7, Hubly 7, Sauerbrunn 7, Klingenberg 7; Sinclair 5, Coffey 6, Rodríguez 6; Ryan 8, Smith 8, Weaver 6
Subs: Beckie 6, Sugita 6, Dunn 5, Moultrie NR

Best and worst performers

BEST: Sophia Smith, Portland

Smith looked every bit the MVP, scoring the all-important first goal and creating other opportunities as well. She was always a danger off the dribble.

WORST: Elizabeth Ball, Kansas City

It was Ball’s failure to cut out Ryan’s through ball that allowed Smith escape on a clear breakaway and score to give Portland the early lead.

Highlights and notable moments

Smith’s fourth-minute goal for Portland set the tone for the evening, and the Thorns never looked back.

.@sophsssmith puts @ThornsFC up EARLY early #NWSLChampionship | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/AJsIsB9r5S

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 30, 2022

The moment the final whistle rang out around Audi Field was one to savor for the Thorns after a tumultuous season.

THE CHAMPIONS @ThornsFC #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/CFSkrkc4Yh

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 30, 2022

Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)

— Portland Thorns have won their third NWSL title (2013, 2017, 2022), breaking a tie with North Carolina Courage and FC Kansas City (defunct) for the most in league history.

— Thorns striker Smith became the first player to be named league MVP and win Championship MVP in same season.

[ad_2]

#Thorns #overcome #adversityfilled #season #win #NWSL #title

Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com

About Post Author

Dave Petchy

I am a passionate, dedicated guy who's been living in London for 10 years now. I love good food, being creative, cycling and having fun. I'm a firm believer that anything worth achieving is worth working hard for and that you should always challenge yourself to be the best version of you possible. I work as an editor at Petchy Media – the award-winning news site that makes quality journalism accessible to everyone. I've also written for The Guardian and worked with brands like Nike, Adidas and KFC on content production projects.
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
Happy
%
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
Sad
%
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
Excited
%
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
Sleepy
%
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
Angry
%
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
Surprise
%
Next Post

Le'Veon Bell Gets Destroyed By Uriah Hall – OutKick - uBetMobile.com

[ad_1] Le’Veon Bell Gets Destroyed By Uriah Hall – OutKick – OutKick Boxing might not be for Le’Veon Bell after his performance Saturday night against […]
, Thorns overcome adversity-filled season to win NWSL title – uBetMobile.com
error: Content is protected !!