After back-to-back road matches to begin the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, the Portland Thorns returned to Providence Park on Sunday and beat the Orlando Pride 2-1 before 16,466 fans.
Midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Christine Sinclair each recorded a goal and an assist, helping Portland (2-1-0) extend its home winning streak to nine consecutive matches.
“We’ve been waiting so long for this game and to have us back at home with these fans is an incredible feeling,” Horan said. “It’s very special for us and I hope the fans know that and we enjoy them, it’s crazy.”
Orlando opened the scoring in the 20th minute on a goal by Chioma Ubogagu.
Portland answered just eight minutes later to even the match.
Leading the break, Horan found Sinclair just outside the box. Sinclair quickly turned to play the ball back to Horan, who took a touch and moved the ball to her left foot before hitting a perfect strike from distance off the right post and into the back of the net.
The Thorns took a 2-1 lead in the 39th minute. Horan drifted out wide and received a pass near the edge of the box. She curled the ball toward the near post and several players jumped looking to head the ball, but it dropped to the feet of Sinclair and she calmly slotted the ball inside the left post.
“It’s exciting different players are creating and different players are getting opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net,” Portland coach Mark Parsons said. “I think it gives us good momentum going into the week, wanting to improve and get this important result.”
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Portland hosts the Washington Spirit on Friday.
