Match Recap and Reaction: Portland Thorns v Vancouver Whitecaps

The Thorns prevail in BC place

There were 6 changes made to the lineup before this CONCACAF W Champions Cup game. But that’s to be expected with quick match turn around and a non-league game.

The game had a quiet start with neither team pushing too hard at either goal. But the Thorns picked up the pace in the middle of the first half when Izzy D’Aquila finally broke through the Vancouver defense by burying a cross from Payton Linnehan. Vancouver did have a few goal attempts, notably forcing Hogan to make a diving save in the 18th minute and dinging a shot off the post in the 21st minute.

The second half is where Portland shone — four goals from four different players marked the difference. Linnehan, Spaanstra, Sinclair, and Reyes were the scorers — which just felt so right.

Highlights

1st half:

23’ GOAL PORTLAND- Izzy D’Aquila neatly put away a lovely cross from Linnehan

37’ GOAL PORTLAND- D’Aquila buried her second. It was a rebound following a Sinclair shot on goal.

2nd half:

54’ GOAL PORTLAND- Linnehan made her mark on the night after side-stepping the keeper.

56’ SUBSTITUTION- Moultrie and Sauerbrunn entered the match for Linnehan and Hubly

58’ PORTLAND GOAL- Alexa Spaanstra with a lovely one-touch finish after D’Aquila found her with a cross.

75’ SUBSTITUTION- Fleming on Coffey came on for Hirst and Sheva.

85’ PORTLAND GOAL- Sinclair put one away for the last time in BC Place.

86’ SUBSTITUTION- Sinclair made way for Reyes.

95’ PORTLAND GOAL- Reyna Reyes made it 6 in the final few seconds of the match with a lovely header into the back of the net.

Instant Reaction

This game started off very muted. I was a little surprised because I expected the Thorns to come out swinging. They slowly built momentum though as the half progressed and Izzy D’Aquila put two away to give the Thorns time to breathe.

In the second half all of Linnehan’s efforts were finally realized as she netted her goal in the 58th minute. She really put in the work this match and I loved it, she is a fun player to watch and I can’t wait to see what she does in the future.

Hogan also had a good game, earning a shutout; denying multiple goal-scoring attempts from the young Vancouver side.

Müller is like a silent star for the Thorns, she is always so good but we take if for granted. She’s everywhere on the pitch and does well wherever she goes.

You know, going into this match all I really wanted was a Sincy goal and a Thorns win, and we got both of those so I can leave the match happy. Yeah sure there’s always something that you could complain about, that’s sports, but in matches like this, you can take a step back and appreciate the good things.

While Sinclair’s career isn’t quite over yet, this match was a lovely send-off for the Canadian legend. I can’t wait to see her last few matches and celebrate this wonderful player.

The Thorns stay on the road, returning to NWSL play taking on Racing Louisville on Saturday, October 19th at 4:30 PM PST.