On Friday night, the Portland Thorns defeated the Seattle Reign 2-0 despite Pietra Tordin and Raelynn Turner each scoring a goal and two players receiving red cards.
This was the 44th match between the Pacific Northwest National Women’s Soccer League rivals. The game was played in front of a record crowd of 21,321 fans for Portland’s home opener.
In other NWSL matches, the Orlando Pride and visiting Denver Summit ended in a 1-1 draw. And the Washington Spirit tied with Racing Louisville, 2-2.
Portland midfielder Cassandra Bogele received consecutive yellow cards in the 8th and 9th minutes and was sent off.
However, Todin’s header in the 28th minute gave the Thorns a 1-0 lead. Turner’s goal in the 37th minute made it 2-0, with Todin assisting.
The home team lost another player in the 58th minute when Reina Reyes was given a red for assaulting Madison Curry.
Sophia Wilson and Marie Muller made their season debuts at Providence Park shortly after.
The series between the two teams was tied at 17 wins, 17 losses, and 10 draws.
Banda scores birthday goal in draw
Summit forward Melissa Kosler and Pride forward Barbra Banda each scored for the team’s second straight game in the draw in Orlando.
Kossler scored in the 24th minute after a perfect slide from Natasha Flint.
Banda scored the equalizer on his birthday in the 61st minute, following a cross into the box from Jackie Obare.
It was the first point earned by Expansion Summit and head coach Nick Cushing after losing to Bay FC in the season opener.
Racing Louisville loses 2-goal lead, settles for home draw
Racing Louisville took the lead in the 28th minute with Kayla Fisher assisting Emma Sears.
Sears scored his own goal in the 42nd minute. She picked up the ball and dribbled it past goalie Sandy McIver for a 2-0 lead.
In the 50th minute, Sofia Cantore closed the gap with Spirit with a shot from outside the box. Lacey Santos scored in the 74th minute to turn things around for the visitors.
Spirit midfielder Andy Sullivan returned from maternity leave and made her first appearance since October 6, 2024.
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