Match Recap: Portland Thorns vs. Kansas City Current

After suffering their first loss of the season in San Diego just days ago, the Thorns bounced back this afternoon to defeat the Kansas City Current 2-0 on home soil.

After a scoreless (but nevertheless exciting) first half, Sophia Wilson is able to draw a foul in the box that allowed Olivia Moultrie to open up the scoring for the Thorns off of the PK. Later, Reilyn Turner would deliver the dagger to the Current, with a tremendous ball that doubled the lead at 2-0.

And in her return to NWSL action Mackenzie Arnold produced a clean sheet against the Current, securing yet another victory at Providence Park.

Lineups & Prematch

There was an abundance of changes made to Portland's starting XI this afternoon – all anticipated modifications for a team who was setting up for their 3rd game in just eight days.

Getting her first start since returning from maternity leave, Sophia Wilson was back in the starting XI with the Providence Park faithful at her back. Wilson replaced Pietra Tordin, an impact player who has not only played heavy minutes in recent matches for Portland, but has also been involved in all four of the goals the Thorns have scored this season. While her impact may be missed to begin this game, I wouldn't anticipate it being gone for long.

There was just one change made on the backline for the Thorns, Jayden (JP) Perry in exchange for Isa Obaze – another player who has seen heavy minutes in recent matches.

Bogere was back in the starting XI today after serving her red card suspension that came from earning two yellow cards in the first half of her Cascadia Clash debut.

And finally, Mackenzie (Macca) Arnold was back in goal this afternoon after missing an extended period of time for the Thorns while serving her international duties in the Asia Cup with Australia.

Highlights

3' "Welcome back from the Asia Cup Mackenzie Arnold"

A turnover from M.A. Vignola gives Kansas city their first look at the Portland goal before it's batted away by Macca. If that won't wake a keeper up, I don't know what will.

13' Portland applies the pressure

A flurry of opportunities for Portland in the box, and yet they come up empty handed.

A couple shots off the bar for both Olivia Moultrie and Sophia Wilson, a corner kick or two, and a few key touches from the Kansas City keeper keeps the Thorns off the board for now.

20' Soph takin' shots

If you were wondering how many shots Sophia Wilson was able to get off in the first 20 minutes of action this afternoon, the answer is 5. Putting on an absolute forward masterclass, the only thing missing from her performance is the execution – but for how long?

21' YELLOW CARD VIGNOLA

Vignola is the first player on either side to record a yellow card this afternoon, against Michelle Cooper. One of the key matchups of the afternoon as Vignola is tasked with managing one of Kansas City's most lethal attackers in Cooper.

35' YELLOW CARD BETHUNE

Tensions boil over for Current midfielder Croix Bethune, who in a moment of frustration throws the ball at the backside of Jessie Fleming, earning herself a spot in the book.

Bethune's error in judgement comes just minutes after the Current's first yellow card of the afternoon – which was awarded to Ellie Bravo-Young in the 34th minute.

36' back like she NEVER left

Mackenzie Arnold delivers a brilliant save off a short range strike from Ally Sentnor. One of the few opportunities on goal for Kansas City in the first half, and what could have easily been the one to put the Current on the board first.

+3 minutes of stoppage time added

Halftime: Thorns 0, Current 0

49' Liv Moultrie man

Olivia Moultrie continues to apply the pressure on Current keeper, Lorena. A fiery shot from inside the box is deflected, but is a quick reminder that Moultrie and the Thorns will keep knocking on the door.

53' PK PK PK

Wilson is fouled in the box, and earns a penalty kick for her team – who else to step up and take it, other than, Olivia Moultrie.

Moultrie makes it look easy as ever and nails the free kick for the Thorns, (finally) putting them up 1-0. This PK would make Moultrie the youngest player in NWSL history to hit the 20 career goals mark.

63' JP 🤝 Reilyn Turner ... insane

I'm just going to leave this here:

Jayden Perry could not have delivered a more perfect ball, and Reilyn Turner could not have executed a more perfect header. I still can't believe what I saw as Perry and Turner teamed up to double the lead, and put the Thorns up 2-0.

67' Thorns subbing

In the 67th minute Portland brings on Pietra Tordin for Soph Wilson (one of the most lethal swaps in the NWSL this season, in my opinion) and as Wilson departs the pitch the anticipation continues to build for Soccer City USA as they will have to wait a little longer to see Soph score again.

Another switch, Mallie McKenzie in exchange for Marie Müller on the backline. Müller and Wilson, two players still on minute restrictions as they continue to return from their respective absences.

+5 minutes of stoppage time added

Final: Portland 2, Kansas City 0

Final Thoughts

I thought in general the Thorns played a solid first half of soccer, the only thing keeping it from being a brilliant first half of soccer was the lack of execution in the final third. The opportunities were plentiful (and exciting to see), but with 11 shots on goal in the first half and nothing to show for it – this was the only thing in the first half that hindered them at going from good to great.

And by the second half, those missing pieces fell into place. A trend we may have seen last season? Yes. However, it's been awhile since I've seen a Thorns team continuously coming out of the locker room to start a match looking as cohesive as they have so far this season.

Whereas last year the Thorns were going from bad to good at the half, today it was witnessing things going from good to great.

Mackenzie Arnold and the Thorns defense produced a brilliant two halves of soccer. Not only was Macca's impact visibly apparent, you could also see the intangible difference her leadership was making on the pitch. Along with support from a backline who aside from an early error from Vignola, remained pretty perfect to finish out the match. A shutout performance, I'm sure, this defense was pleased to have in their keeper's season debut.