Match Recap & Highlights: Thorns clinch playoff spot against North Carolina Courage

The Portland Thorns have had us on the edge of our seats as of late as they had yet to clinch a playoff spot. Not unlike some recent Thorns matches, the team waited until the very end of the season for us to finally stop holding our breath.

With Morgan Weaver out with an injury and Sophia Wilson still out on suspension, all eyes were on the Thorns attack and the potential they would bring to the pitch under the lights. In their "Win and In" playoff game against their long time rivals the North Carolina Courage, the Thorns came up on top thanks to Marie Müller's absolute banger of a goal.

The tension in Providence Park was palpable among all 20,105 dedicated fans. There were more fireworks before the match than usual, giving the stadium a poignant foggy atmosphere accompanying the tifo "Into the Deep Dark Woods..." (cue Wildwood trailer). The electricity in Rose City was felt throughout the whole match, from the fans to the players.

There was something special about the night, as if the Thorns knew that this was the exact right moment to unify and pull out a win. And, sure enough, a win is what they gave us. A hard-fought, well-earned, win to to extend Portland's playoff streak to 10 straight seasons.

Play By Play

3' An early set piece taken by Marie Müller, Isa Obaze headed the far post cross straight into Kailen Sheridan.

4' Reilyn Turner with a volley straight into Sheridan.

6' North Carolina goal disallowed due to offside. The ball was chipped from about 30 yards away over Mackenzie Arnold.

9' Foul on Turner at midfield, a good sign for the Thorns as North Carolina is worried about the counter and our attack on the break.

13' Yet another connection between Müller and Turner. Turner beat Sheridan on the attack but her shot was deflected by her defender.

17' Carolyn Calzada to Turner in the box. Calzada drove down the line to the top of the box and gave Turner a great ball to turn on. She beat a couple defenders and found her opening but wasn't quick enough with her shot as it was easily blocked.

27' The first caution card of the match awarded to Müller. for a professional foul at midfield.

41' Ashley Sanchez's first real opportunity for NC, it was deflected wide for a corner. A volley came after the corner and hit the crossbar, a narrow miss for NC.

First Half Recap

It was clear that the Thorns had done their homework. They were quick to tighten up on defense – even Pietra Tordin would pick up her jogging pace to try to get behind the ball. Ashley Sanchez didn't have room to breathe for most of the first half, with the Thorns pressing hard any time she was on the attack.

The center ref set the tone early, letting both teams know that they wouldn't get away with much. This was helpful: without clear boundaries, both teams would've taken advantage of the opportunity to be chippy.

North Carolina was finding more opportunities at the end of the half, but the Thorns stayed compact in their defense and looked the most united they have in a while. Turner, Calzada, Müller, Fleming, and Hanks stood out in the first half—all integral and making big efforts defensively and offensively.

Second Half

51' The Courage awarded a set piece right outside of the box and it was shot into the wall.

56' Caution card shown to North Carolina's Ana Beatriz Gomez

60' THORNS GOAL, MÜLLER Reilyn Turner drove the ball into the box and had her shot blocked by a defender. The ball deflected to the outside of the box where Marie Müller absolutely destroyed the ball, volleying it straight into (and almost through) the back of the net.

62' Thorns Sub: MA Vignola in for Obaze

62' Important save from Macca. Ashley Sanchez beat a couple Thorns defenders in the box and took a good shot but Macca punched it out.

69' The Thorns were really knocking on the door here, multiple attempts made in the box.

70' A big defensive effort to stop two North Carolina shots in the box.

79' Caution card shown to North Carolina's Riley Jackson.

90'+1 Pietra Tordin rips one that Sheridan tips over the crossbar. Caiya Hanks tore down the pitch before delivering Tordin a perfectly weighted ball in front of her.

Final Thoughts

North Carolina came out strong the start of the second half but the Thorns weren't necessarily looking to press. They stayed low and compact, snuffing out the start of any attack from their opponents. The Thorns capitalized on their opportunities of attack but didn't let their goal take their focus away from staying strong on defense. Speaking of stellar defense: the Thorns absolutely dominated their defensive job on set pieces. I'm sure the stats exist somewhere, but for the majority of the set pieces taken by North Carolina, the Thorns found a first time clearance. Again, this team hasn't looked this unified for many matches now.

Offensively, this squad looked like they've been playing without Sophia Wilson for more than just two games. Turner was fierce on her attack, Hanks was composed and confident, Tordin was tenacious, and Müller pulled out all the stops. What will this team look like with Wilson cleared to play in the next match?

The performance of this team gives Rose City a lot of hope leading into the playoffs. And here we go again, 10 seasons in a row of the Thorns showing up and showing out in the NWSL playoffs.