Portland Thorns FC is having a dream run in their recent tournament. The women’s team of Portland is currently playing in the Women’s International Champions Cup. The Thorns faced off against a formidable Houston Dash in the semi-finals. The match was filled with end-to-end action. Both the teams seemed to be at the top of their game. Not a single player on the pitch was willing to leave an inch to their opposition. The match was tied at a score of 2-2 after the stipulated ninety minutes. The match eventually went into penalty shootouts. The women of Portland held their nerves to win the match and cement a place in the finals.
Portland Thorns FC Get Their Star Performer In Olivia Moultrie
It was the most memorable night in the life of Olivia Moultrie. The match hung in balance from the initial stages. However, a couple of letdowns from the Thorns’ defense resulted in two quick goals from Houston. The women of Portland showed their character as equalized on both occasions. The most important of the equalizers came through the fifteen-year-old Olivia.
At the 59th minute mark of the game, Houston was leading 2-1. It was at this moment that young Olivia came to the party. She scored from a brilliant free-kick that dipped just in front of the Houston goalie. This ensured that the match was going to penalties.
Portland Thorns FC found another heroine in their goalkeeper Shelby Hogan. She was outstanding during the shootouts. She denied Houston thrice from the spots. This cemented a 3-1 win for the Thorns. The Portland team management expressed high hopes for the team. They will face Olympique Lyonnais in the tournament final on Saturday. Lyonnais beat FC Barcelona earlier in the tournament.
