Friendly match with rival Seattle ends in penalty kick loss for Thorns

In some respects, the Portland Thorns were at their worst while the NWSL took a vacation.

Before the break, Rob Gale’s team had won two straight games, including a 2-0 thumping of one of the league’s best teams, Washington. The Thorns finished June with some of the strongest momentum of Gale’s managerial career, sitting comfortably in the playoff picture and undefeated at home.

After then, the games were halted for a month.

Gale, at least, knew why.

According to the management a month ago, they are finally able to sleep and act like people for the first time since January.

The Thorns’ return to NWSL play against Washington on Sunday marks the official conclusion of that rest. However, Portland has already begun to recover from the dust over the last week.

The Thorns defeated the Urawa Red Diamonds 3-2 in a shootout on Wednesday. Even though Saturday’s match against the Seattle Reign was friendly, there wasn’t much camaraderie throughout the 1-0 shootout loss.

Both teams had a number of hard shoulders, there were a few yellow cards, Portland goalie McKenzie Arnold made a few incredible stops, and there were no goals scored over the more than ninety minutes of regulation play.

Gale added, “I thought we got what we wanted out of it.” In order to prepare for a difficult journey to Washington the following weekend, these two games have been essential.

Arnold’s diving save, which prolonged Portland’s night a bit, was a highlight moment, but Seattle didn’t win until the final seconds of penalty kicks, prevailing 5–4.

Arnold made his first Portland appearance since getting hurt in May.

Arnold remarked, “Nice to get a clean sheet.” Regretfully, there are sanctions, but it is the reality.

Over the past month, Portland has adopted the attitude of accepting things as they are. Gale was aware that momentum would not last the break, even with their late-June surge.

It will take discipline, health, and a shared desire to move up from their current fifth-place position and aim for the club’s fourth overall title if the Thorns are to make a strong comeback in the second half of the season.

Furthermore, Gale thinks his team is moving in that way despite the friendly defeat.

Positive overall, stated Gale. I’m really happy with it tonight.

Next up: On Sunday, the Thorns will play their first NWSL game away from home against the Washington Spirit. In the standings, Portland is one point behind Washington.