Heading into a home match with crucial postseason implications against North Carolina Courage, the Portland Thorns had struggled with just one win in their last seven and were winless in their last four at Providence Park.
The visitors came in with a league-high 51 goals, the second-highest xG generated, as well as MVP frontrunner and Golden Boot leader Ashley Sanchez. After a 'weak' team performance at Bay FC, Thorns head coach Robert Vilahamn opted for a few changes. He moved rookie Carolyn Calzada to right back and Reyna Reyes to left back, and inserted Isa Obaze at center back next to Jayden Perry.
Needing a win to clinch a playoff spot, Marie Müller scored the game-winner and the backline shutdown the high-powered attack of NC Courage. It was also the team's first clean sheet since August 22 - a span of seven games.
“I think we nailed the game plan and the picking of players," said Vilahamn after the match.
"The backline was amazing. If you look at Reyna Reyes and Carolyn Calzada, the fullbacks, so good. And then the center-backs also. It's a team effort, but the tactical pieces were there, and we made it very hard for North Carolina to do something. When you see Ashley Sanchez moving to the side and then moving back again, you realize she had a struggle today, because both fullbacks had her in their pocket. I really enjoyed that.”
That was a performance PTFC desperately needed and it has been one that has been destined once a former club legend returned. Since her retirement from the game, USWNT and NWSL legend Becky Sauerbrunn has become a supermom, on-air studio analyst, co-host of "The Women's game" podcast, and so much more.
In early September, it was announced that she had joined the Portland Thorns as a technical consultant. The club had tried to bring her on after retirement and were finally able to make it happen.
"I'm super excited about it," said Sauerbrunn on the podcast. "I go in with the technical staff and we discuss clips that we want to go over with the team or we'll talk about the game that just happened or the one coming up. That kind of influences what happens at training. And then I get to be on field with the players which is great. Of course, I'm focusing more on the backline because that's basically all I know is defending. That's been really fun and I also get to be a part of unit meetings. I also get to be a resource for the players."
The former Portland Thorns captain and center back already had focuses in mind.
"I think when you look some of the goals that have been conceded, it has been some of the marking in the box. As a defender, I think that is one of the most difficult things to do... Doing reps of that, going over film."
For head coach Robert Vilahamn, Sauerbrunn was exactly what they needed with her having a wealth of knowledge and unmatched experience of playing in the NWSL.
"We wanted to make sure we keep the history and legacy of the club and the players," said Vilahamn. "We also have a gap in the tech team — I'm coming from Europe, my goalkeeper coach is from Europe, Sarah is from the college game, and none of us have really played in the NWSL over the last 10 or 15 years. Becky has that knowledge, but overall, she's Portland Thorns, and we want to make sure we have a good pathway for her to use her knowledge and experience."
"You can think you're a great coach and that you can give the players everything they need, but I need to surround myself with different people who can help the players reach another level. With her experience, her leadership, being in the national team, being at Portland Thorns, winning titles, and being a good human being — everything checks out there. I'm going to learn a lot from her about her perspective of being a player in this league, so it's actually a good way for me to develop my own coaching and leadership as well. But overall, the players look up to her and will use her knowledge well, and we want to be a club that keeps players around when they stop playing and finds roles for them. This is a perfect example of that."
The Portland Thorns have one of the youngest backlines in the league and this allows them the opportunity to learn from the very best.
"It's been awesome whenever she's come in," said Jayden Perry. "I've obviously looked up to her and her play style since I was little, so being able to work side by side with her, ask her questions, and go over film with her, and see all the little tips she can give me — I'm just trying to soak it all in like a sponge. I'm honestly begging for more and more from her. She's one of the best, and I can't say enough good things about her."
"I think it is so cool to be learning from such an intelligent player who had competed and won at the international level so many times," said Carolyn Calzada.
"Becky has always been a role model for me," said Isa Obaze. "She is the greatest person to teach."
"I learned from Becky, learned playing next to Becky too," said Reyna Reyes. "She is truly an inspiration, someone I've always looked up to growing up and it's a dream of mine."
Sauerbrunn has enjoyed the experience and has loved working with the PTFC backline.
"I've really enjoyed it, it's been really fun," said Sauerbrunn. It's been filling my cup and the group is so great. I love working with the backline, they ask such good questions. You can just tell that they're hungry to get better and better. They're already good, it's just fun to see players that want more - the tactics, the principles, scenarios, trainings, and the extra reps and everything.
Could the legendary central defender join the staff one day?
"It has gotten me, maybe thinking, flirting with the idea of getting some coaching licenses."
Heading into NWSL Decision Day against Houston Dash and the quarterfinals, the Portland Thors will start a backline all ages 25 and younger - Carolyn Calzada, Isa Obaze, Jayden Perry, and Reyna Reyes. Alongside their technical consultant, they have an advantage all clubs would love to have. It's clear Becky Sauerbrunn is the right teacher for what the PTFC defenders need moving forward.
