Match Recap: Portland Thorns vs. Houston Dash

In what was arguably the messiest decision day in NWSL history, the Portland Thorns did all they could (and more) to control their postseason destiny.

And control it they did – with a 1-1 draw between Orlando and Seattle today, the Portland Thorns clinched the #3 seed in the NWSL playoffs and will host a home playoff match next weekend against the San Diego Wave (date and time TBD).

With first half goal contributions from Deyna Castellanos and Jessie Fleming, this would be what catapulted the Thorns to a 2-0 victory at Providence Park over the Houston Dash.

Lineups & Prematch

The scene at Providence Park was exactly what we expected for the regular season finale. However, there was a late addition to the availability report – Pietra Tordin who missed today's match with a lower leg injury.

When asked post-game, Rob Gale told the media that this was an injury that had occurred in training yesterday and progressed into this morning – it is still unclear whether or not Tordin will be available next weekend.

Highlights

4' THE DEYNA DROUGHT IS OVER

In the 4th minute Deyna Castellanos notches her first goal for the Thorns in 7 months, her second on the season.

Off the pass from Jessie Fleming, we finally see her convert in true Castellanos fashion – 1v1 on a defender, ball handling abilities on display, with a shot fired from the top of the box.

Castellanos goal became the earliest scored by the Thorns this season, and the first by a Thorns healthy forward since August 10th – who would've thought.

17' the DEFENSE makes a stand

In what was arguably a missed call from the officiating crew, the Portland defense makes a stand to protect their goal.

A moment we've so often seen this team crumble under, a missed call and an opportunity in box for their opponent, today we saw the defense recover and Mackenzie Arnold gobble up the save.

32' Reilyn Turner wants that one back

A chip shot from Castellanos in the box sets up an opportunity for a wide open Turner, but with big eyes looking to score Turner overshoots this one over the top of the goal.

Turner was a player Rob Gale gave props to in his pre-game media availability this week, attributing a solid last week of training in Portland to what he expected to be a great performance from Turner today.

35' JESSIE FLEMING. THAT'S ALL.

A flurry of opportunity in the box, allows Jessie Fleming to convert in the 35th minute against the Dash.

Fleming's 2nd goal of the season, her only other – a PK versus Racing Louisville in April.

And this right here, is how the Thorns win games everyone, when everyone is putting goals on the board for this team.

41' Liv Moultrie ... doesn't convert on a free kick ???

Something we haven't seen in a while, and what could have been the icing on the cake in the first half for the Thorns, Liv Moultrie missing a free kick outside of the box.

However, had she converted from that distance – this would've been a feat that only someone of her caliber could've done. Now we wait to see if the free kick queen gets another opportunity in this one.

+5 minutes of stoppage time added

Halftime: Thorns 2, Dash 0

68' subs for Portland

Mimi Alidou and Mallie McKenzie come onto the pitch for the Thorns, replacing Alexa Spaanstra and Kaitlyn Torpey.

71' Portland earns opportunities in the box

Reilyn Turner takes her second shot of the second half, followed by Reyna Reyes who was looking like a proper forward in the box in the 71st minute. Both players, however, are unable to convert and extend Portland's lead.

73' another sub for Portland

For the first time, Laila Harbert takes the field with the Providence Park faithful at her back. While the 18-year-old has made three other appearances for the Thorns this season, this was the midfielders first one at home.

Replacing none other than Deyna Castellanos, who departs the field to a standing ovation from the crowd.

+2 minutes of stoppage time added

90'+1 subs Portland

Daiane and Jayden (JP) Perry come on the field for Reyna Reyes and Sam Hiatt.

Final: Thorns 2, Houston 0

And to cap off the evening, Liv Moultrie was awarded with the 2025 Supporters Player of the Year by the Rose City Riveters, and the players are given their roses.

Final Thoughts

For the second consecutive game the Portland Thorns have recorded a multi-goal shutout, and today they did it without a goal contribution from Olivia Moultrie.

A point I've been harping on all season long – it doesn't matter who gets it done, when the Portland Thorns score they put themselves in a position to be competitive with any team in this league. And I still believe that as long as they can continue to do so, the season is far from over for the Thorns.

And still if you would have told the Stumptown Footy crew back in March (or anyone else for that matter) that the Portland Thorns would clinch the 3rd seed and a home playoff game in the 2025 season, I don't know what we would have said, but probably not "well, duh!"

Yet, here we are.

This team, and the way they've outlasted this season, has been one of the most impressive displays of grit I have ever seen. Although I know there is much more that this team is hoping to accomplish, they deserve the roses for all they've done to make it to this point – the NWSL postseason.