Match Recap: Portland Thorns vs. Bay FC

On a night where the Portland Thorns honored Christine Sinclair with her name in the rafters, Liv Moultrie solidified that her name could one day join it.

Despite the opponent hopping out to a 1-0 lead in the first half, two goals from Liv Moultrie rallied the Thorns to a 2-1 win versus Bay FC – catapulting the Thorns from a 7th place spot in the NWSL standings to a 3rd place tie.

Lineups & Prematch

Making her Thorns debut just days after the trade was announced, M.A. Vignola got the start for Portland tonight at left back.

Meaning Portland's back line tonight was composed of Reyna Reyes, MA Vignola, Sam Hiatt and Isa Obaze – a back line that would provide an element of speed to the game, and control of the ball thanks to Vignola's contributions.

As for the rest of the starting XI, this one seemed to allow the Thorns to put their best foot forward – with Turner and Tordin in the lineup together again, and a midfield Rob Gale prefers to push the ball through.

Before the match the Portland Thorns honored a legend, Christine Sinclair.

There were 21,104 fans in attendance tonight to witness Sinc's name inducted into the hall of fame, and her jersey retired on a beautiful night in Soccer City, USA.

Highlights

31' the Thorns survive the first 15 minute monster!

Not only did the Thorns keep their opponents out of the goal for the first 15 minutes tonight, they were able to keep this team at bay for the first 30 – which has proven to be no small feat for this team.

And with a cohesive looking backline, the Thorns were able to push the ball through the midfield early, outshooting Bay FC two to none with one on goal.

36' and Bay strikes first

Taylor Huff finds the corner of the goal to put Bay FC 1-0.

39' BIG SAVE MACCA

In what could have been a horrible turn of events for the Thorns heading into the half (a 2-0 deficit) MACCA comes up big in the goal to minimize the bleeding and keep Bay's lead at 1-0.

+3 minutes of stoppage time added

Halftime: Bay FC 1, Portland Thorns 0

51' LIV MOULTRIE EQUALIZER

Sam Coffey splits Bay's defense in the box and finds a red hot Liv Moultrie, who delivers the equalizer in the 51st minute. This was Moultrie's 5th goal of the season, moving alongside Reilyn Turner as the team's leaders in goals this season.

62' subs on for Portland

Rob Gale opts for a few offensive switches at this point in the match, replacing Alexa Spaanstra with Mimi Alidou and Valerin Laboa for Pietra Tordin.

This would be the 18-year-old Laboa's Providence Park debut, and what better night for it?

68' FREE. KICK. QUEEN.

With Liv Moultrie's second goal of the night, the Thorns find themselves up 2-1 on the team from the Bay.

Not only did this goal solidify Moultrie as the team leader in goals this season (6), but she also became the youngest player in club history to score a brace.

72' Torpey for Vignola

A standing ovation from Providence Park as M.A. Vignola departs the field for the first time as a Thorn, replaced by Kaitlyn Torpey in the 72nd minute.

91' defense for offense

On comes Mallie McKenzie for Reilyn Turner as the Thorns look to hold off Bay for another 5 minutes and secure the victory.

+5 minutes of stoppage time added

Final: Portland Thorns 2, Bay FC 1

Final Thoughts

Christine Sinclair's name is in the rafters. Olivia Moultrie is the youngest player in Thorns history to record a brace. And the Thorns record a win in Rose City as the NWSL playoffs approach.

I believe this was one of the strongest starts we've seen from the Thorns this season, a credit I partially give to newcomer M.A. Vignola. A player who was at a match in Louisville for another club just a week ago, one might call this a seamless transition and a good sign for the Thorns.

Another credit should be given to the one in the goal, Mackenzie Arnold, who's energy was tangible tonight despite giving up the first half goal. A similar energy we saw from the rest of the team – an energy that could only be chalked up to the reason we celebrated tonight, for Sincy.

Turner and Tordin continue to remain quiet offensively for the Thorns, two players who if they can get hot, would be the piece that could drive the Thorns into the postseason comfortably.

A must win tonight, but there's another one lined up for this team on Friday in Orlando.