Portland Thorns at Chicago Stars: Match Recap & Highlights

It was a perfect week for Portland, who finished with nine points out of nine possible.

After the wins against Angel City and San Diego Wave, they had to close the week against the Chicago Stars. Given the fact that Chicago is at the bottom of the table, a win was expected – but tired legs and playing away could've played a part against the Thorns.

It didn't, and they could celebrate in Olivia Moultrie's 100th match.

First half

For the third match this week, coach Vilahamn decided to start Sam Hiatt and M.A. Vignola instead of Reyna Reyes and Jayden Perry. Mimi Alidou started instead of Reilyn Turner, but the rest of the starting XI remained intact.

Sophia Wilson started as well, but unlike the previous two matches, she couldn't score in the 45 minutes she spent on the field.

Portland was in the driver's seat this match, something they are not used to this season. However, it was expected. Not only did the visitors have a better percentage in possession, but also in many metrics – including expected goals (xG).

As a matter of fact, the Thorns should've scored at least two goals by halftime (xG 1.89 vs 0.48). Nonetheless, just like they were firing off shots and dominating the match, they were letting Chicago get to its own box.

Portland's goal happened at the right moment and it was special that the goalscorer was no other than Olivia Moultrie, who was celebrating 100 caps in the NWSL, the youngest player to achieve such a feat.

First Half Highlights

9' Pietra Tordin had it but Naeher made a big save.

15' Big save by Macca!

17' And there it is! IT'S AN OLIVIA MOULTRIE'S GOAL ON HER 100th match!

21' Macca with another HUGE save!

42’ Tordin went for goal but the ball sailed high.

45+2’ Sophia with the shot but Naeher denies her!

Reilyn Turner enters the match for Sophia Wilson to start the second half.

The second half brought some substitutions, such as Reilyn Turner for Sophia at halftime.

Speaking of the winger, she hasn't been the same after she scored that header against North Carolina. So it must have felt great for her to find the back of the net again and more so after coming from the bench.

Her goal secured the result in a half where Portland started to feel the minutes accumulated in their legs for all the soccer they played this week.

If you look at the Momentum chart provided by FotMob, when you compare both halves, the Thorns didn't look as alive in the second half as they did in the first one. The good thing was that Chicago also kind of died, which helped to get the three points.

Olivia added another layer to her performance when she assisted Turner, who shot into an open net. On one hand, you have Moultrie, who is following the steps of Portland's legend, Christine Sinclair, and became the second player to register a goal and an assist in the 100th match career.

And on the other hand, you have Turner, who scored in an open net, but it wasn't an easy feat. Her goal had an xG of 0.09 and an even lower xGOT of 0.08, which made it even harder for that ball to hit the back of the net but it did. Turner made it possible.

After this important win on the road, the Thorns will have some days to rest, until Friday when they play Racing Louisville.

Second Half Highlights

61' Reyna Reyes is coming for Marie Müller.

78’ Medics were checking on Fleming but she’s ok.

78’ Substitution: Deyna enters for Mimi Alidou.{

83’ Pietra’s shift is over. Kallie Mackenzie is on.

89’ It’s Reilyn Turner with the 2-0!!! GOAAAAALLL!!!

FULL TIME: Portland Thorns 2-0 Chicago Stars.