Thorns to hit road in playoffs despite win over Seattle

The Portland Thorns’ first journey into the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs will be a road trip.

Two goals from Christine Sinclair saw Portland finish its regular season Saturday with a win 2-1 at Seattle.

The Thorns must wait for Sunday’s games involving Kansas City and Sky Blue FC to see where they will play in the NWSL semifinals. A road game Aug. 24 against either Kansas City or Western New York awaits.

Portland’s quest to be one of two teams to host a semifinal match ended before Saturday’s kickoff. Western New York’s victory over Boston earlier in the day meant Portland would have to beat Seattle by at least 10 goals.

Sinclair’s game-winner came in the 83rd minute. Tiffany Weimer played a ball over the top for Sinclair, who outran the Seattle defense and scored inside the far post.

Megan Rapinoe struck early for Seattle, scoring in the 3rd minute.

Five minutes later, Sinclair tied the game after weaving through Seattle’s defenders and shooting past goalkeeper Hope Solo.

Vancouver’s Tina Ellertson entered the game as a Thorns substitute in the 73rd minute.