Utah Royals FC 2, Portland Thorns FC 2
Lesson learned for the Portland Thorns FC players: don’t give Christen Press space. The striker will dribble, dribble and continue to dribble until she gets a chance at net. She put that on display against the Portland Thorns, too, in Utah’s 1-1 draw with the club. Press nutmegged Thorns defender Elizabeth Ball, then found her way past Adrianna Franch.
It was a goal that shows why Press is so dominant in the attack. However, her goal wasn’t enough to secure three points for the Royals. There were other chances, too. Most notably, the Royals had a chance from Katie Stengel in the 59th minute, who took a left-footed shot. However, Adrianna Franch stepped up and made a big-time save.
Canadian make 'em!!!!@sincy12 with an UNREAL VOLLEY. #UTAvPOR pic.twitter.com/0Dr6r4uRpR
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 20, 2019
Stengel had another opportunity on a header delivered by Kelley O’Hara four minutes later. However, she put it wide of Franch’s net.
Meanwhile, for the Thorns, a point on the road was collected. Portland struck first, with an early goal in the first half from Christine Sinclair. After settling the ball with her chest, Sinclair took a right-footed shot and lobbed it over Nicole Barnhart. Portland’s second goal came in the 87th minute, as Lindsey Horan slipped a goal past Barnhart. However, the Thorns couldn’t wrap up three points.
Beautiful build up from @UtahRoyalsFC via @kelleymohara to @ChristenPress to A-Rod for their first serious test of @ADizzle23.#UTAvPOR pic.twitter.com/9cmgqYs39o
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 20, 2019
Instead, Rachel Corsie snuck the ball through Franch’s legs for the equalizer in the 90th minute.
Both teams tried again with a few more attempts, but the final whistle called game. With the draw and one point, Portland has jumped into the first place spot in the NWSL. However, North Carolina still has a chance to take back the top spot, as they face off with the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday night. Meanwhile, Utah currently owns the fifth place spot with 18 points.
Late goal for @ThornsFC?
Late goal, indeed. @LindseyHoran is back and bashin' 'em in. #UTAvPOR pic.twitter.com/YCShQZyMKe
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 20, 2019
Goal Summary
- Portland Thorns FC (Christine Sinclair, 9′)
- Utah Royals FC (Christen Press, 43′)
- Portland Thorns FC (Lindsey Horan, 87′)
- Utah Royals FC (Rachel Corsie, 90′)
Caution Summary
- Portland Thorns FC (Caitlin Foord, 83′)
— Rachael McKriger
HOLD UP. @RachelCorsie14 has something to say.
We've got a 90th minute equalizer here, folks. #UTAvPOR pic.twitter.com/vjLrozB0Ot
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 20, 2019
