SANDY, Utah — Christine Sinclair’s goal in the 59th minute pulled the Portland Thorns into a 1-1 draw with the Utah Royals in a National Women’s Soccer League fall series match on Saturday night.
Amy Rodriguez scored for the Royals in the ninth minute. Thorns goalkeeper Britt Eckerstom stopped Lo’eau Labonta, but a charging Rodriguez scored on the rebound.
But Sinclair, who had a hat trick in a 4-1 victory against OL Reign on Wednesday night, scored the equalizer early in the second half and Eckerstrom saved Tziarra King’s shot as stoppage time drew to a close to end the match.
Portland (2-0-1) defeated the Royals 3-0 to open the fall series. The league is playing regional games in local markets after the Challenge Cup tournament in a bubble in Utah this summer.
Portland has one remaining game next weekend against the Reign. The Royals (0-2-1) also have a game left, on Oct. 17 against the Reign.
