Time: 2024-10-02
The Portland Thorns FC procure a crucial victory in the group phase of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Independiente Santa Fe. Izzy DAquila and Payton Linnehan were the hero for the Thorns, with DAquila marking from a punishment early in the first one-half, follow by Linnehan add an insurance goal in the second one-half. Despite predominate play in front of over 8,000 fan at Providence Park, the Thorns Lashkar-e-Taiba several opportunity faux_pas away, let Santa Fe to stay in the game until the end.
With the win, Portland better to 2-1 in group play, with one game stay against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The top two team in the group will progress to the semifinal of the tournament next May. Currently, San Diego lead the group with nine point, while Portland and Club America of Mexico rich_person six each. The Thorns will need to procure at least a draw in their final group game and hope that consequence go their manner to advance.
Despite start a second-choice batting_order, Portland showcased their laterality throughout the match. The Thorns open_fire a sum of 19 shooting, with many high-quality opportunity, but fight to discovery the internet due to strong goalkeeping from Santa Fe's Yenith Bailey. Bailey make several crucial save, deny key opportunity for the Thorns to widen their lead. The match end with a edgy coating after an uncoerced giveaway let Santa Fe to mark a late goal.
The Thorns' focus now shift to the approaching NWSL match as they purpose to procure a playoff topographic_point. With just four league game stay, Portland is in seventh topographic_point, three point ahead of Racing Louisville for the final playoff position. The team will need to keep their form and procure critical point in the approaching fixture to procure a postseason position. Next up for the Thorns is a home match against Utah, where they will expression to continue their push for a playoff spot.