During the past few months, the Portland Thorns have fought hard and played many exciting games. The talent and athletism that these ladies have is impressive to say the least. However, the end of the season has come with the Western New York Flash gaining a 3-2 victory on September 4th. The home field advantage was apparent as the New York team scored three early goals, and although the Thorns nearly caught up in the end, they could not quite pull off a draw.
On that note, all season long, the Thorns have had disappointing games when playing away. If the team had been able to win just one or two more away games, the points they would have accumulated could have put them in the playoffs. Another reason for the Thorns struggle is that some of their players were absent this season due to being in the FIFA World Cup. To make matters worse, a couple of the ladies who were competing the World Cup were unable to play upon their return due to injuries sustained while there.
Next season, the Thorns will have a similiar issue to contend with as there will be some players lost to the 2016 Olympics. Also, Nadine Angerer and Rachel Van Hollebeke, have just retired. Angerer had been a goalkeeper for the team, while Van Hollebeke was a defender. With these lineup changes, the next season for the Thorns will be watched with great curiousity and enthusiam.
While the Thorns themselves may be done for the 2015 season, the city of Portland will still see some women’s soccer due the fact that Providence Park will be hosting the NWSL championship game. This match will be held October 1st at 6:30 pm and tickets appear to be going quickly. Since the playoffs for the league are still happening, it is still unknown which teams will be playing that night. Currently, Seattle Reign has the most points, followed by the Chicago Red Stars, but with several games left, that could all change. Whichever teams end up making it to the Rose City on that night will be sure to play an exciting game.
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