PORTLAND THORNS VS GOTHAM FC | 2024 NWSL SEASON | FULL MATCH 24.03.24

[Music] thorns in the red Kit Gotham and their away black kits and we are underway from Providence Park one of the most historic sites for women's football Weaver getting a touch defensively doing that defensive work for her side as well coach Norris really happy about her impact in the game last week thought she was really on the front foot started to get things going said Weaver wasn't really worried in terms of how that week really impacts the season going forward it was just really uncharacteristic all around a word he used often as aair gets a touch in the Box find side netting and that'll go out of bounds it's really early on the match but still you're going to be having this moment where something can definitely happen and and Gotham is just going for their first goal in this first match of 2024 EST was the first non-american to win a World Cup and an nwsl championship in the same year back in 2023 an historic win for Spain but also for Gotham yeah it was a great 2024 for his there for sure 2023 right now thank you it all comes together sometimes doesn't it dun getting in the attack the former Thorne puts it in and it'll go straight to Shelby Hogan Crystal Dunn returns back to Providence Park after three years in a Thorns Jersey she led the Thorns to that semifinal game won a championship back in 2022 with the thorns and really was just looking for a fresh start she's originally from New York and one of those four big usw in players that transferred it in the free agency to Gotham a few ex Portland with Emily Sonet and first too a lot of former numbers in the Gotham jerseys that played for Portland because they're a team that have been around in the nwsl since the Genesis of it all purse down the in line takes a touch and behind purse will get inside beats a player on the touchline that'll eventually be cleared Smith on her own Smith in behind Smith takes a touch past the goalkeeper and Slots it home it'll be an offside call that goal will not count for Sophia Smith I can't believe it doesn't count for her in the scoreboard but I guess this is important in part of the attitude and like stepping into the match when you're getting an opportunity like this one in a 1 V one for Sophia smid in only 3 minutes I'm sure she's going to keep getting a few more like those one hopefully not in an offside position it was by really close really tight call by Smith but it's that change that Portland needs Portland a team that didn't get off on the front foot against Kansas City really let them have the beginning half of the game three unanswered goals by the current in week one Sophia Smith did have a brace in that game but it wasn't enough for the Thorns to get a result and a good message also for for Gotham to be able to take more in control cuz any other ball just as fast as that one in the back of the Defenders it can be really dangerous I think they're still checking it for me it's way too close it's literally less than I don't even know a hand maybe were they they were checking it no didn't dis allowed yeah disallowed goal that that will not count for Sophia Smith Smith looking for her third goal of the Portland Thorn season and her 34th overall career [Applause] goal that would have been the 33rd career goal for Sophia Smith Sonet into the shean getting a touch SAU Bron jumps in front Becky SAU Bron getting her first start since the fall of 2022 player who is also making her 2024 debut there was a lot of numbers on the backline against the current three of them to be specific that were new to the Portland Thorn system and it really showed against this current attack Emily Sonet wins it back centrally has Neely Martin who's playing in a double pivot Nexus on here tonight a very familiar matchup between Gotham and Portland Gotham knocked out Portland out of the 2023 playoffs with a 1 nil win in extra time back in November last season they also ended Portland's eight game under beaten streak so Gotham comes back to Providence Park with really fond memories and Thorns are really looking to fix that historic run that this Gotham side has had against them but both matches in the regular season were won um a victory from either of the home teams so Portland did won one nil against Gotham there's been a lot of matchups for Gotham and Portland last season they saw each other three times it was Gotham you got the win in July Portland got the win and early October and eventually Gotham got the result in 2023 to put them not only in the final game but also to win it all against o rain now called Seattle rain ball over the top for Smith she'll run on to it and Win It Smith in the corner against her United States teammate and tana Davidson another one of those free agency numbers that comes over over to Gotham from Chicago in the off season now it's a lot of depth to that Center back position for Gotham especially after Ali Ker's retirement and they need that when it came to the match against um San Diego they had more chances but they were not able to score and then one of the big chances that San Diego got and it went as a goal so the that back line has to be really well taken care of Gotham and W caros amrose making a lot of changes two changes to that backline here today just shows the depth that Carlos amose has with his side this season Beria started the last game and now it's j a nice swonger in the starting 11 Sam hayatt getting her first start as well Mike Norris the head coach for the Portland Thorns he's in his second season as a head coach for the Portland Thorns and he was named the head coach last January was an assistant in the 2022 season plenty of history for him with the Thorns yeah season that they uh went and ended up winning the nwsl championship cuz like you mentioned at the beginning these two teams have won the championship in the last two years so I I guess we do have two of the best teams and one of the best matches Smith in behind again Smith In The Box Crossing it over Weaver can't get a touch and it'll stay in bounds MRE against shean Gotham will get a goal kick after another one of those Smith opportunities in behind and Sophia just a bit more cautious this time uh in passing the ball and being sure that she's in the right position for not be called on an offside and we were just coming trying to reach that ball and see if she could send it to the back of the net but she was just one few seconds behind Fiero is having a conversation with v it could be that nudge in behind from O'Hara to Weaver but that will not go it'll stand as a goal kick hayatt taking the kick she's debuting in a Gotham Jersey after spinning her 2021 20223 seasons in a Seattle uniform 3 years and in Seattle and gets traded over to Gotham Smith in behind again big touch forward Smith stopped by Miller Big save by the goalkeeper coming off of her line making herself big and allowing forland to have that first corner kick and and just more and more of Sophia's me being that nine doing what she can and it was great defensive movement from Casey Miller with the first big save of the match cuz if not this would be one for Portland already mtry opts for the short Corner gets it back Mueller in Mueller to Becky can't redirect that one good start from the Portland Thor and Janine Becky getting the starting nod after Mike Norris gave her a lot of plays they were really happy for her in her brace last week after coming back from an ACL injury last season puts up two goals against the current she's had one heck of a journey she's put in the work and had a really good preseason and Coach Norris is recognizing her for that she came from the bench and also gave an assist and made an amazing second half Pur side to shean coffee will clear it down the middle and High it will step up got the number down on the ground and play will be stopped by F that's smidge purse down on the ground grabbing her left knee grimacing in a ton of pain right now o not something that you want to see if you are a Gotham fan you can see the concern from all the numbers right now from both sides ju Carlos amrose head coach for Gotham let's take another look at this injury that planted foot by purse is the one that she ends up grabbing that left lower leg Yeah it's is those kind of injuries that you don't want to see hopefully it's nothing but I guess just the the first initial contact can be always scary for a professional sports person like her trainers having a look at purse as wos ose has a conversation with his side ear here to start the game just into the 11th minute of action it's really been the Portland Thorns in the attack and Mitch purse a number that's needed for Gotham especially down that right flank how how important these minutes are always you know whenever you get the chance to be able to speak to your players and and and react and see how many changes you can make remember 20 30 years ago they didn't even talk to anybody it was so different and now they just take the advantage of every second they have Yas Meine Ryan getting warmed up on the bench started last week in the challenge Cup game she was a new player to Gotham last season as we see Pur really slow to get up but good to see her on her own two feet something that one Carlos amrose has to be happy about as well just because of the productivity purse has four goals two assists last season and Gotham's Championship win and great clap R by Providence parle so just recognizing that she's up and about Daffy giving the high five along with all the other Thorn's numbers good to see her up on her own accord she will hobble off the pitch 28 years old spent 2018 in 2019 in a Portland Thorns uniform was initially drafted fourth overall to the Thorns so has a plenty of experience and you can hear that crowd they are very familiar at Providence Park with what MCH purse can do Pur will be assessed on the sidelines as we get things rolling back here in Portland Oregon no substitutions made yet purse will be assessed before any decisions are made by the Gotham technical staff and Gotham as of now with one player down hoping if she can get back on the MCH or a substitution could be made per still being evaluated she hobbled off the field grabbing that left lower leg have to make sure especially match day two there's still a really long season to go that a player like purse is getting the proper treatment and is ready to go for the rest of the season as well Davidson over the top to stare a stare out W to Hera broken up a stair with a bike why not yeah if you get the chance whenever a player does the bicycle kick you have to do it cuz you know you can and she does shot towards the goal maybe not with the most of you know like power for it to be able to surprise the goalkeeper Shelby Hogan and just score that goal that for sure it would have been amazing to see it a bike in match day two for a stare the bike itself was amazing just the form as Pur takes the field again for Gotham good to see her back out there easier said than done right always Smith wins it high Smith underneath broken up by Martin and eventually cleared Weaver will give the Thorns another opportunity in the final third mtry going forward to Weaver Weaver inside strikes straight down the middle to Cassie Miller and how important was Martin in that play just before this one being able to get that ball out as fast as possible it feels that the home team is really close to getting that goal F against a stare cofin will have it back it's the combination between Morgan Weaver and Sophia Smith they they played a lot of minutes together Weaver drafted second overall in 2020 to Portland Thorns Sophia Smith was the first pick in 2020 so this is the third season they've been together have a ton of continuity and you can certainly see that out on the field as Becky gets involved Becky goes straight to Davidson Raina rays will step up one of the changes made here today for the Thorns Rays the Mexican international playing in an outside back position One V one against nicewonger she'll be stopped by Crystal dun and it will be a foul against dun Well Done by Raina Reyes this is one thing that she does a lot she just follows that play until she get that ball in a better situation conceding her team a good opportunity from a set piece will stand over this one liia mry 18 years old this is her fourth season in Portland it's a great opportunity right here for the Thorns mtry right into nicewonger easy clearance by shean Pur can get forward and that will be a tackle and a yellow card will come out and be given to tomin purse he was following the play so he saw everything but it it is dangerously played but she did touch the ball before but how fast can you move your body r ray is in the right place at the right time as well know she had to draw that contact as miters would have had a perfect opportunity going forward Raina raay that substitution made in the wide spot for Nicole Payne who started in the game against the Thorns she was a fifth pick last season named the SEC Defender Of The Year back in 2022 didn't get a ton of minutes last year only had five starts but certainly a number that Norris is excited for when it comes to depth on his back line shean to Martin Martin not able to get that cross off rather that would be take that back that yellow card was given to Raina rays in red for the thorns and how big can this and and conditioning her job just being there in in the back you know it it's you never want to have yellows in your team but more if you get them in the defense that's more scary than anything either way you get the yellow card you draw the yellow card if you're Raina raay that's a that's a decision that you do have to make because it's a clear Breakaway opportunity for a Ford who can score Weaver down the touch line 2v one O'Hara helps out Hyatt and this foul will be called against Morgan Weaver Rose City not thrilled about these last two calls Morgan Weaver staying in a much wider position for the thorn receiving that ball Portland off to a much better start here today against Kansas or rather than their game against Kansas City last week as Mueller gets involved in the attack Smith drops off to receive it already Two Shots One On Target for Gotham what's been the difference from um the opening game against the current I guess part of it has to be that they're in their home that they're just trying to get that first win and and at the end of the day you have a team that hasn't competed in you know in the nwsl yet yes they did have the challenge cup uh match but they also want to win away so so just by being at home and and knowing that you want to go for it and get the win Fleming playing in with Sam coffee one of the best doers that I saw in the opening week and even though it didn't come to fruition the way that coach Norris wanted to see it it's still a phenomenal partnership as fling comes over from the WSL her experience at Chelsea at the Canadian national team level Sam coffee getting involved with the US Women's National Team something that Portland Thorns they really build iconic Partnerships and iconic teams and I think Fleming and coffee can be one of those Duos they're two great players so of course they're going to be able to succeed throughout this season and this is only the start stair will commit the foul Portland will get another set piece here won't that go too quickly Portland will have to be a little bit more patient on the ball Leia mol the set peac taker this afternoon for the thorns Fier not ready to get things going stop by Gotham nice swanger will clear it wide not far enough molter will get on the other end SAU Bron stepping off her line keeping that ball involved offside position and Gotham will get the ball back see now a lot of off sides now from this Thorn side three off sides they have that willingness to get forward but it's maybe just a touched too much this is when we ever talk about being more free on the field this is one of the things that always takes a little bit of of of time for you to adjust with the partner you have next to you cuz it can happen you need to know where you are and where where your teammate [Music] is Norris directing traffic on his team has to be much happier with the start of this game compared to the one against the current first half of action it's all three goals against finally was able to score one from Sophia Smith before heading into the locker room coach Norris not happy he said he was extremely frustrated wanted to take away some joys of it but it was really hard to as this one goes straight to Hogan Yeah by Mina 25 they already had two goals and they were 9 minutes away from the third one like you mentioned Portland Thorns the biggest piece of brightness from that game was the 30th minute onto the end of the first half right now Gotham hasn't been able to put as much against this Portland Thorns team defensively as they'd want to coach Juan Carlos amoros really happy with his team's performance in the challenge cup there's eight new additions he said theyve only had so much time to train together so it's just getting that experience that exposure out on the field Kelly Hubley the main stay on the backline last week for Portland Thorn playing and starting with a lot of new numbers around her was asked to be a big leader the last two years have been huge for Kelly Hubley she's been a starter but has spent the last seven years of Portland so with her consistency she's naturally stepped up to become a more dependable number for the thorns [Music] Gotham with the restart a stare dropping off receives it nice wer out wide to Pur this time on the left Pur cuts inside Pur with a shot stopped by [Applause] Hogan and this going to be the second time that Hogan ends up just grabbing that ball and being able to disallow Gotham to score the first one again a bit wide but still a good idea coming from that Left Flank much better start from Shelby Hogan and goal last week was her first start and a Portland Thorns uniform as a big touch from Becky doesn't see that one in Shelby Hogan this is her third year in Portland but that was a big game to go into a brand new season cpkc stadium with a brand new team and a front a back line in front of her that doesn't have a ton of consistency there was a lot asked from her and Coach Norris said they were just happy with her response she hasn't been in a shell she hasn't mop she's been ready to move on to the next game that M mindset is going to be really important after what happened cuz you need need to be able to let that go and just move forward and and be able to correct those mistakes it's so important for such a young player too who doesn't have that experience how do you quickly just move on from a result when you conceded five goals I've heard so many players talk about this throughout and and what next will get fouled um and whenever they say that able to keep playing you just have to forget it put it in the back of your mind and forget it just happened don't keep going cuz if not you're not going to be able to play and we've seen that also in in different games of just asking for them to be subbed because they can with that big mistake they made and of course being a goalkeeper your mistakes are the worst goalkeepers in such an unique position on the page [Music] pebley looking for an option has Becky who can't find a runner Smith not able to create anything Sophia Smith with three big opportunities one was called back because she was offsides early in the game but those opportunities in behind haven't been able to happen for the Thorns haven't been created some adjustments from Gotham's Midfield and I think they were made at the right time because Sophia was getting every single ball and putting herself in a great position in the attacking third now she's been disallowed a lot Sophia Smith had two goals against Kansas City last week's looking for her 35th career goal a known goal scorer in the League last year had an excellent season with 11 goals and five assists so coming into this game Gotham with a really steady backline and they've been keeping their eye on her Martin to switch it [Music] up Weaver steals it away she'll go in with the cross goes straight to Miller who's quick to kick that one up you know I don't want to say that Sophia's me has a personal Mark but I think between Martin and and Davidson they're just following her as closely as possible just not letting her get out of their way how does Smith find herself in a more open position well I'll get back to that a stare inside cleared by Mueller so it's not going to be easy she's going to have to work a really hard of trying to get herself out of the mark but one thing you can take advantage of when things like this happen is giving the ball to players that are not marked cuz you have two or three or four more players just focusing in one you get the opportunity to have another one free without a mark and be able to get themsel in a better position in the attacking third so I think it's always interesting when you do have the personal Mark jine and Becky down on the ground for the thorns she's being evaluated by the training staff he nodded to several people on the field but they'll be checking out that left lower leg and jine Becky missed the 2022 season rather the 2023 season with a season ending ACL injury back in 2022 it was her first year in Portland played in 17 games for them after coming over from the WSL this is that initial clearance from you was between the contact and also I I guess the fall once she was coming down from that header you don't normally see you so what was happening in the sideline of the goalkeeper Hogan she was with the goalkeeper coach you don't normally see that of a conversation directly with a goalkeeper maybe just pointing her something special coming from the match Hogan having a conversation with her goalkeeper which is important though yeah no no it is but you don't normally see messages being directed only to the goalkeepers you know you normally see the players in general right coach Norr is having a conversation with his side still a nil nil match between the two teams plenty of opportunities Portland has had three shots so is Gotham and they both had two shots on target yeah and and and Hogan had two good saves Becky still back up on her feet she'll go back in after having a brief conversation with her head coach Mike Norris talking about some [Music] adjustments Fier restarting things here at Providence Park thanks so much for joining us this evening alongside Carmen buin I'm Ana witti it's been a fun match so far opportunities from both sides Sophia Smith got some opportunities going to get things really rolling at Providence Park but Gotham with M Mitch Pur and a stare I've seen some of their own and changing a little bit because it started with the possession for Gotham now it's Borderland with it and the opportunities are even so far we'll see who gets the first goal britz will done down on the Left Flank stopped by Hubbly two faces that know each other well after Crystal Dunn spent the last three seasons in Portland with Kelly Hubley didn't play on the backline the way she does on the US national team really played in the Midfield created opportunities for Portland and now still plays in a similar similar role with Gotham Gotham with a corner kick they first cleared wide Smith will get on it Smith with a big touch oara getting in front of the two players there will be a card Mitch purse will receive a card I think you call it like a few minutes ago and there MIT first got the card she was a a bit too on high on the contact against Sophia Smith even like looking at her like what what just happened lot of contact from Kelly O'Hara as well but no card to O'Hara 10 minutes left to go with regulation time in the opening 45 minutes between Portland and Gotham home opener at Providence Park and you can hear the Rose City riveters loud and proud Sonet with a touch I haven't seen a lot of Emily Sonet on the ball this evening she's playing in the six last season played in the six for Seattle rain and really grew into that position it gave her more opportunities with the US Women's National Team now she's been asked to play in the six but in a double pivot with neie Martin [Music] Sam hayatt with the ball another main stay who comes over from Seattle rain played on that backline last season next to Alana cook and was a huge number she had 16 starts for them played last season in the season be rather just the last season with Emily sonnet foul against Davidson rather against Fleming as Davidson goes down yeah flaming with that unnecessary contact just one second behind from touching that ball quickly up Jesse Fleming 26 years old has over a 100 caps with the Canadian national team as Smith gets going Smith vers Gotham's back line she'll miss that one wide and those are the opportunities that Sophia is creating for herself and once again just proving that she's not forgetting the offside situation you know what I would wish a little bit more either Becky or Weaver just being there with her in that run um so she can get so she can give them that ball and maybe you can get something out of it because it's the third fourth time that she get into that one V one and then just keeps rolling the ball and and not get a better shot Smith has scored a lot of her goals in 1v1 scenarios but also she's had opportunities with help five assists last season is a great number for a true number nine so having numbers around her is extremely important but if you're in minute 40 and you're seeing your uh number nine just being there by herself a few too many times give her somebody else or allow someone to be more free and be able to connect that way Becky has hubly out finds Fleming cly Fleming looking for an option has Smith great ball Rays gets involved Reyes rather that ball will just go straight into the hands of Cassie Miller and it was Weber there really close just trying to see if he could connect that ball with a header not enough space or whereas the ball wasn't put exactly where she could have connected with it but a brighter idea now coming from the right flank Raina R is getting involved too didn't see much of that in the beginning of the first half Gotham Now with an opportunity to get forward Kelly O'Hara starting in that fullback position for Gotham one of those big leaders for Coach Carlos os's side really excited about just her future how he can use her in multiple spots she's competitive and she really does just drive this team forward and once Portland is defending they do have Rees in the back with that four uh that line of four in the back but whenever they attacking she goes up and you get Mueller SAU Bron and hubly just staying there's a perfect three broken up purse will get it out wide purse back to shean two in front of O'Hara and R will clear it wide that seemed like a perfect uh play that has been practiced a lot because Esther was going directly to where the ball was was going Shelby Hogan in goal for second start of the season for Gotham rather rather for Portland Thorns third year in a Portland Thorns uniform her first regular season minutes were last week O'Hara all the way through the back the Box completely untouched first out the other end D sees that one out on her body it will be a goal kick for the homeside lot of fans and attendance for the home opener here today for the Portland Thorns what does that give a team in their home opener after not having the best performance last week I think it's always good to have your supporters with you and and and and the fan base in nwsl is growing week by week we've seen it so far in these two um weeks that it the support's going to be there and this is the home opener I'm guessing as soon as we get the number it's going to be a really a record of a number like we've been having in the last matches foul against Davidson SCH bringing down Sophia Smith Smith is fighting for a reason to give Davidson a card won't get it well Portland Thorns were the first club in the world to average more than 20,000 fans a game in a single season it shows how this thornside has really set the standard for attendance fans and what it can do for a league and a team and titles so yeah they did wi in 2022 and they went in the semi-finals in the in the postseason for last season but now it's 2024 and you know you want to keep expecting good things out of your team and they do have a roster for that Portland Thorns with a lot of depth on their roster they were the first team to win three nwsl championships third to win the two nwsl Shields they won the challenge cup back in 2021 they've won it all and they've seen so many historic numbers come through a lot of Gotham numbers have spent time with Portland as well Emily Sonet Crystal Dunn Sinclair well Sinclair is on the Portland LS well I was talking about numbers that got them okay okay Morgan Weaver winning it back centrally get [Music] Smith hly Martin fighting for that card hey we always assume they're asking for a card that was [Laughter] clear fall over the top Reyes gets over dun dun gets going forward done Muer will clear this one high and wide Weaver against OA Mitch purse another one of those former Portland Thorns numbers on the pitch here today for Gotham started in eight games last season a big number for Gotham last season in winning the final she really contributed to that attack and just lit things up down that right flank it's led to her having 23 caps with the US Women's National Team and Maran weer F fighting for another [Music] foul re will keep it in nice wer tracking back you're going to have six minutes of stoppage time in the first half of action between these two sides a few injuries nice wer stopping it again nice wer is the 2023 Rookie of the Year drafted out of FSU as the fourth pick in the draft in 2023 nice [Music] wer mtry into Smith ohare will see it out for a corner kick [Applause] walry with an ins swinger over the top Martin will get a touch hayatt will finally clear it [Music] MIT purse goes down everyone a bit of a side I'm out I'm out out and purse you can hear her talking on in the microphone she says I'm out done to nice wer big tackle by Fleming Becky in side straight to Miller her still down on one knee referee hasn't called the play dead now he does as purse goes off she's limping I think she she kept trying it it was a sad contact and then she just loses the balance herself and even before she's falling in that one she just am out am out cuz she ends up just not being able to put that left leg the best way possible Mitch Pur going to the locker room to be further evaluated by Gotham there will be a substitution made eventually by Gotham it'll be Yasmine Ryan coming onto the pitch she was warming up earlier in the first half when Mitch purse initially went down Pur decided to stay on and is now being evaluated starting a rain here at Providence Park as Marine Mueller gets the ball out wide re inside to Becky triples right past Davidson Gotham's dropping all their numbers back defensively just over four minutes of stoppage time left and Portland will get a free kick and these final minutes are going to be really interesting because I do here's the substitution yes mean Ryan on the pitch for an injured MCH purse Ryan started the challenge Cup game in the Midfield against San Diego wave and now she'll come on as a 25-year-old last year started in 17 games for Gotham had a goal had an assist and was a really big game changer as Becky receives it head her across right there to clear is O'Hara Becky back in and that foul will come out of the box goam sked by that was a close one for Portland and lucky for Gotham cuz it was a great shot and then you had a great player on there there just not allowing that ball to cause any more danger you got to take your chance when you deflect balls like this so close to the goal Smith back to Becky Becky with a one touch across hayatt clears it out Smith on the sideline gets double teamed by Dunn [Applause] gotth them with the majority of the possession in the first half they've held on to 56% of it but it's been more opportunities just one more shot four shots from the Thorns shean gets a touch as Weaver comes across trying to win it Portland's had number of opport unities rather it's been from Janine Becky Sophia Smith how do they start to capitalize on those opportunities again just being able to to get one good chance with two players maybe coming into it cuz I think that's what they've been lacking the second pass they do get to a good position but then there's not another player to finish that play Gotham trying to play out can't connect those final passes just under a minute left of stoppage time at Providence Park it's a home opener for Portland Thorns in a really familiar matchup Portland Thorns were knocked out of the 2023 playoffs because of Gotham as Weaver tries to cross it inside molt Tre will stop it mtry off of Hyatt Weaver with a cross nice swonger with the big clearance [Music] that will do it between Portland Thorns and Gotham ft in the first half of action between evidence Park the rain is really starting to come down here Rose City riveters are going nowhere coffee will kick things off for for the Thorns the ball's going to move interesting now much faster how does either side adjust to that I always think that you know with the weather and the climate you can't do anything so you have to just take advantage of whatever um you have and yes the bowl is going to move faster so it'll require a bit more of an effort and just trying to be more able to get closer to the ball and that attacking dir Smith wins the ball shean with a little too much pressure show will get a yellow [Music] card Delaney shean has spent all of her five years at the professional level with Gotham last year was what really changed the game from her for her she had 18 games where she played in and it was her first year where she started to get regular minutes was also coach Carlos's os's first year with Gotham as well sometimes that's all it takes as mtry puts this ball in Becky can't redirect it that's one thing that I would like to see more in this second half uh with Fleming Coffey and molt Tre there in the Midfield just being able to give more balls to the players in the front Mueller up to Smith Smith trying to dance around O'Hara she'll find Mueller back Mueller finds mry mry with a touch right down the middle to Miller that's what I'm seeing it just took a while it was between two players that have been consistent in the attacking and then somebody came in play and it was mry without any Mark gets a good shot but not with not not enough Force for it to surprise the goalkeeper Norris sees mtry as a number who can create and he wants her to have that freedom in the attacking third we're starting to see that come to life a little bit more dun receives the ball wide so go through Hogan will step off her line before a stair can get there a stare in her first full season with Gotham last year she played just five games three starts and had two goals in Gotham's Championship run before that she was with Real Madrid where she had 19 starts 16 goals and four assists Weaver and Smith getting caught up Smith will take it Smith shifts it into Becky play on Weaver offside will eventually be called Inside the Box took a while though right took an extra minute just want to make sure everything's correct is Becky's just a few steps ahead that's something you asked for Carmen was more numbers outside of just Smith getting involved in the attack [Music] coffee gets it centrally as Smith gets [Applause] wide Smith 2v one has Mueller underneath coffee M touches it but we'll stay with it Fleming over to [Music] Reyes weer not able to chip that over and Ryan will win it before coffee step up little too direct of a ball goes straight to Miller yeah just trying to find becking that one let be reminded to score a brace in her first match of the season and and of course she's just getting back into it but that was you know that position where she can be there and and try to get another goal Becky and is really familiar with goal scoring I she's had opportunities all game long and and knows how to score and and find those moments there'll be a foul against Portland and Fleming and fos head refer Fiero rather will have a conversation with fliming this is a big year for Becky though coming off of an ACL injury and already submitting herself Norris also added the fact that she's worked on the mental side of her game and that's why she's been able to come back so Elite as she hand gets it in line not a successful cross has saw it underneath for the shot that'll go wide a far post well that that is another option too cuz we haven't seen that many shots um Mid distance or long distance so if you're not being able to get that close to the goal why not give it a shot like that and you were talking about the mentality thank God we live in a day and age where we are open to talk about so many things and that is one of them that whenever you get an injury like that you can get in in Dark Places and you need to see how you can help yourself to get better not only physically but mentally Becky doing just that her first appearance back with the Portland Thorns has a brace against Kansas City in a game where they went down neie Martin with a foul against molter coach Norris really uncharacteristic performance really wanted to change the tide here to today Smith not able to control it compared to as this ball gets played wide not able to get there compared to last week's performance for Portland against Kansas City in the first 52 minutes of action here today how did the two stack up well in in that case you received a lot of goals but you were able to score a few a few of them um you score the first one in the first half and then three in the last 189 15 minutes of the match so I I guess the thing is just keep trying to score them but then trying to be better when it comes to son it with a ball directly in her face Fier will stop play immediately to get the trainers onto the pitch and that's something that her was smart not to mess around with yeah that that is always so unfortunate son it still being evaluated on the field I feel that's all of us right just touching immediately seeing if you have something must burn Sonic being evaluated after that ball by hubly who's just trying to clear it over her head to the other side of the pitch we'll do a check on the field to make sure son on it is good to go all that concussion protocol is extremely important and you know this is a something that I'm going to say you can Google everything about how to do one cuz you never know when somebody near you gets a concussion and you need to address there's been things that you can do at home and and quickly be able to just make sure that everything is fine cuz you don't know a concussion can happen everywhere everywhere just send in that motherly advice our resident doct here today no I'm not but hey it's a good advice you never know just like you learned CPR and everything you have to be prepared for everything life happens you never know when you need it deviating from the subject but well it was a good decision by Gotham and Fierro to call on those trainers right away Sonet still on the sideline Juan Carlos emeros head coach for Gotham looking on here today he was the Houston's interim head coach in 2022 before he took the head coaching go job for Gotham last year as Sonic gets back on the field won caros emeros is one of four coaches who won the nwsl championship in his first year quite the feet the other one of the other coaches to do so was ran Wilkinson with Portland back in 2022 both these clubs have seen some really really successful had coaches come in and make immediate impacts and when Portland got that title Norris he was Co assistant coach correct and then he just got the head coach job so quote unquote he knows what is to win the titles well he's been around this club and that's an important piece for a head coach is to have that experience but also the players to have experience with them as well it it gets that initial season off on a good start Shen will win it centrally going to go over the top a little too direct for a stair not not many Touches for a stair outside of the opening 10 minutes of this match how does Gotham get her involved in the action I do feel like she's just not maybe a a uh per se changing the formation but she's just been trying to stay by herself there to see if they can go get a ball gives me the feel that Gotham is like just okay without the ball a few points and then see how they can get a break away and give the ball to Stair stair seems a little disconnected from the Midfield as well really high up now that Gotham has the ball looking to change that conversation it's been a lot of Portland in the attacking third but it hasn't resulted in any really great opportunities now seven shots for the thorns [Applause] foul against Portland and Raina Reyes Crystal dun in her first season in a Gotham uniform must be really interesting to be back at evence Park after spending three years with the Thorns this will be her eighth year in the nwsl in general she's won three nwsl championships and in 2019 was on the World Cup title winning team obviously in 2023 was on that World Cup team as well Mueller getting forward on that Left Flank cuts it in has mtry mtry with a shot that'll go far wide Smith throwing her hands up on the Left Flank and I want to keep seeing molri do this she's a player that you know whenever you say her age it doesn't make sense with how long you have been seeing her on the scene and and and whenever she gets that freedom to be able to just go in the middle and get a shot it's interesting for her to do so this one going wide it's the second one maybe the third one goes in we didn't see much of mtry in the first half in the first half but even in the season opener for Portland she wasn't getting any shots or any attack so it is a good step in the right direction for the 18-year-old how old that 18 still so young but has so much experience in the nwl this is her first fourth professional year it's part of that 8 mechanism to get her to the nwsl and part of that Discovery process rather [Music] sourbron her first start since fall of 2022 here today and and and do you feel the the difference without a purse on the field also I guess after she left and and Ryan step in there hasn't been so many explosions coming into the second half for Gotham ktie Sangle brunia on the sideline for Gotham Sangle yet to see the pitch this season for Gotham brunia starting in the challenge Cup game last week had four shots coming off of that back line cuz she's the Brazilian Defender that can do everything and do it all no bias no keeping coming foul against Reyes again rather that that's Crystal done those two have been really fighting and battling it out today one of the big Duss of the night only that Reyes has a yellow card dun doesn't re Mueller really impressed me here today as looked completely different than she did for the game last week Mueller a brand new player for Portland Thorn she's a German international player as well only 23 years old comes over from the Bundesliga where she played in 112 games had 14 goals for SC [Music] fryberg ball over the top to Smith gets a touch pass TI It Smith cuts inside Smith with a shot goal Sophia Smith with her 35th career goal gives Portland the lead and their home opener and he dict take a while but she never gave up and she kept trying and trying and trying until she finally like you said was going to get that another opportunity what a great ball and she did an amazing job just just not letting that ball get away from herself putting in that position in front of the box and then just shooting with her left leg right leg sorry sending it uh net siding it impossible for the goalkeeper this is such a great goal a historic goal cuz it's the number go 35 and also the 3,000 WSL goal in regular season history so it's a really important goal one that would go for the books forever and it was done by Sophia's mid and she was trying so hard throughout the first half and then she finally gets that goal nine shots for Portland eventually Sophia Smith finds one home she gets the ball rolling at home Smith the number last week who gets the ball rolling and just since she joined this Portland Thorns team back in 2020 gets the ball rolling every single game come on Ricardo Fier we celebrated already say it's [Music] okay Fiero having a conversation with v just to make sure she was in an onside position she did receive the ball against high was fighting for it but Vieira will go to V to have another look at this goal it was Sophia Smith she had the initial touch that beat Hyatt in behind there was was a scrum F just taking a look to see where that initial positioning was of Smith once that ball came to her feet it's a great ball into ooh that's tough that's an offside position that's clear and obvious yeah that is that is right and Smith had the first touch so yeah was in an offside position when she received that ball there were this one is going to be coming back watch Smith not only Smith but three players another player was in an offside position as well and Smith certainly since she is that step ahead of hayatt was in an offside position and well done on Fier just to have a look at the AR but it has to be quick it has to be clear and obvious and Fiero has made a decision he has left the monitor [Applause] that goal will be disallowed second Sophia Smith has not scored her F 35th career goal yet and we are still nil nil from Providence Park one thing that I want to mention is that when the goal came in I couldn't see clearly which player was it was telling Sophia something about mentality and and I hope that message still resonates between them cuz you still have a lot of time to go substitutions are being made for the Portland forign Christine Sinclair will come on for Janine Becky Sinclair a number who does know how to score especially with Sophia Smith three goals and an assist last year for the thorn over 300 caps with Canada's International side where she has retired since this is her 11th year in Portland Gotham now can breathe a s relief this game is tied nil nil a scary moment how does Gotham change this tide and get themselves some momentum if you don't get motivated after this it's a second goal this allowed for Sophia Smith and and you know you're at the home opener of Portland this is the moment where you get the best of that quote unquote Underdog feeling not that there are but you know they're visiting and they're not at home so now what they have to do is see any way possible to get that ball scor that goal scored nice wer has Ryan wide shean and Ryan aren't able to complete that pass [Applause] another substitution made this time it's for Gotham brunia will come onto the pitch for Raina Rees brunia the 21-year-old Brazilian is in her second nwsl season rather that's Kelly O'Hara comes off the pitch confusing my sides I apologize Kelly O'Hara comes off for bernia the 21-year-old and Katy stangle on the sideline as well awaiting her substitution Katie stangle number who comes over from Liverpool decided to stay with the club and was a big piece in Gotham's win over Portland last season to take them to the final game had that late 107th minute goal over Portland the and will take off Crystal D yes so no more rain is versus uh done but now stangel is going to be there so it's going to be also a big job for Rea Reas [Applause] [Music] Gotham with about a possession still only four shots from Gotham how they ended the first half of action not much from the attack it's really been that defensive work Gotham shifted into that double pivot today Emily Sonet nearly Martin playing in there against this really lethal attack now that Portland has Christine Sinclair with fresh legs on the pitch Sophia Smith Morgan Weaver quite the deadly Rio Weaver on the ground she's slow to get up for the Thorns she will do [Applause] so Ryan a little bit of contact on that right foot Fleming will pick it up find Sinclair has Weaver wide Weaver back to Sinclair Sinclair across Miller jumps on it a great combination to find sin Claren behind and he said if somebody could get in a better situation of scoring a goal it's going to be sinair Sinclair one of those numbers who can score but also provide assist as been asked to play in a much deeper lying position this season and last season in that 10 roll nice wer with a cross into stangle nice wer keeps it involved nice wer with a shot bounced off of Hogan still collect it stangle trying to be right there to win it off just trying again with those mid distance shots and then with a bit of a a pressure also but you can see that it's interesting to see stair she was in the middle of it and just pointing like I am here give me the ball and she was in a clear shot on goal that's are the things that has to be set up coming forward right the the the communication and [Music] everything that a stair is up there with Katie stangle who last season played an eight games ball over the top Smith gets a touch can't do anything with it re switches it find sabron out sabron will continue to connect all the way over to Mohler Mueller rather mtry to Mueller again wide with her left foot crosses no touch by Sinclair but she was there coffee keeps it involved Portland starting to feel really comfortable on the ball here in the 70th [Applause] minute F against Smith that don't give Gotham the ball back linia some of her first touches here today positively as she finds Ryan wide Ryan on the ground to a stare a stare makes this one 1 n on the road in Gotham season opener [Applause] and this is the thing in soccer right the goals that you don't score the goals that you received and Portland tried so many ways and then just this by having Ryan receiving wide and being able to face the two players from Portland and finding the pocket that perfect space for her to put that ball back for Ester coming directly just to shoot it one touch to the back of the net scoring against Hogan and seems like the big price for Gotham so far hasn't me Ryan made that opportunity so easy for aair because she kept it low hard driven on the ball rather on the ground aair just had to redirect that opportunity It is Well capitalized by this Gotham side who has had one shot yeah in the second half turning that into a goal and it was between sour bur and and hubly that weren't able to just get the ball before it was a perfectly passed forced there sometimes that is all it takes for teams in the nwsl is one bout of possession and the attacking third to capitalize on a team's back line will there be drama coming from a fall four against um [Music] Smith when it didn't it seemed more like it was on her than by her could be some conversations but Fier made his decision paver inside Smith with a shot stopped by Miller Smith popping out of nowhere Miller with a kick save goal kick for Gotham rather for Portland and those are the the shots that then you end up regretting I I said it before the ones you don't score they're scored against you and what a save by Miller not even like trying she just has her feet there it was perfect Fortune for her she does the the movement the slight movement to to get it out with the interior of the what a great save that's 40 as Miller in her first season with Gotham has come up massive last year was in Kansas City started in 10 games was fighting for that starting job with ad franch last season back in 2021 she was with Chicago she led the red starts to a final so she knows what it's like to be in those big moments make those big decisions come up with big saves Cassie Miller is a season vet in the NW cell that Gotham has been able to get in the off seon sun is starting to come out here in Portland Oregon we had some rain towards the end of the first half and the tides certainly have changed when it comes to the weather Portland with an opportunity from Sophia Smith who was caught in an offside position she'll T try and rechange things as she gets drugged down by neie [Music] Martin Smith draws just so much contact in this league because every team knows how capable she is when she has the ball at her feet Moler again with another setpiece this afternoon mry inside Gotham will clear that one easily but mol will keep it Reas looking to go over the top no one's there Fleming with a cross Ryan will receive it will'll have plenty of time Smith will win it Smith goes inside Beria will stop it with her foot it'll be an easy clearance for Beria slow restart from Portland that will be called against Sam coffee a little bit of a high kick against Katie stangle substitution will be made for the Thorns Hina Sig will come on for Jesse Fleming Fleming the new add to the Portland Thorns roster comes off for an older player for Portland Thorn Hina siga the Japanese International player in her third season with the Thorns last year had six goals three assists was a pretty big main stay in the Midfield shows the depth that Norris has and one of those goals was in oob against goam Ryan right into the hands of Hogan Sig has Smith Smith that one goes wide Portland showing that's what they want to be it's just continue to be direct with Smith however they can find her isolated the amount of shots created by Sophia me have been truly a a work of art the only thing that hasn't been there for her is the possibility of them counting the scoreboard Sophia Smith with a lot of opportunities in this game here today she's had three shots two of those have been on target but it's really just been what she's created in and around the 18 not every single opportunity is turned into a shot and now one call for Portland and the crowd Mak themselves here Mueller wins that battle back out to mtry rinia the sliding tackle [Music] coffee stepping up getting suck in with stangle but stangle is able to connect it to stare lot of space for Gotham centry lead they'll take advantage shean over the top headed Away by hubly shean again coffee gets stuck in brunina with a ton of time on the right flank gives it back to hayatt one piece for this Gotham s side as Christine Sinclair gets going Davidson will get a touch off the foot of Smith and Gotham will get a throw in this is the last 10 minutes last stoppage and and I think it's now you have to go against that goal score for from Gotham and and see if Portland get the chance to even tie it cuz they have had the opportunities but not going in Mueller mtry over to Sinclair Gotham's dropping a lot of numbers defensively now that they have that point Portland just trying to break through those lines wide to Rees sigita sabron getting involved in the attack with a service to sigo with a touch wide much better from Portland in the 18 and just wi by by a few zaga she's just in the match but she comes with the whole effort and opportunity just being able to move nobody's marking her I think they forgot she was there gets that header ends up going wide hea Sig just adds a different layer for Portland Thorns a different look from Jesse Fleming that is the depth that coach Norris has on the it just hasn't turned into anything to start the season here how much of a concern is this for Coach Norris if Portland can't get the result at home well in in the first match you understand that it was the first one but in this one you're at home and you were dominating and and you were creating those chances maybe more high pressure or or just being more effective towards the attack as the season goes forward does Norris have to make any big changes or is is this the starting 11 that has to be able to get it done as Ryan gets involved with shean stangle at the top Cofe blocks the shot stangle will get a card as she works back to get Sophia Smith stopped 7 Minutes of Regulation time that was clear that angle was this allowing Sophia with that fast Breakaway that she was intending to get Morgan Weaver down on the ground getting evaluated as time starts click ticking away for the thorens rather that was Emily Sonet with the yellow card not ktie stangle it was both of them just one side to the other Morgan Weaver still down on the ground now Portland Thoren having a conversation with their head coach and Mike Norris they only have so much time left to find one here and with some stoppage time what has to be better in the attack to at least equalize it well maybe the adaptability you know you intended to have the double PE but um allow one of your left back to try to be more inclusive in the attack but then I think you lost too many chances between weaver or Fleming or Becky justn by being next to Sophia in every chance that she got in the attacking third so so I'm guessing just just trying to get more games you know it's only the start of the season so it's kind of acceptable that it's happening but not when you're losing six points out of six so it is the beginning of the season but this is the first time since 2018 that Portland has conceded a goal in a home opener Portland has always scored at least two goals in their home opener as well yes there are a lot of new Pieces Portland comes in with some new changes and uh even new changes from week one but there has been a standard for Portland in years past right now Portland conceding a goal for the first time in a home opener Weaver back on the field for the forign play will get restarted as brunia wins this again for Gotham ball into Weaver and a touch for muli mry rather breaks that pass up Coffey Central Portland looking a little bit more comfortable on the ball knowing time's taking [Music] away Reyes in the Box stangle quick defensively to win it back o stangle with a massive foul Portland will be quick to restart it it will be from coffee to Smith shot off of Miller who collects it that was a great call just to go really fast cuz they didn't even had a chance to look away of what was happening but then again Miller just growing bigger and bigger every second with another huge save Miller is yet to concede a goal on Providence Park [Music] great attention to detail from Sam C coffee just to restart that quickly knowing Gotham wasn't completely set flicked on as Weaver stays down Sinclair Portland will stop that Advantage play can see the frustration from some Portland players as Weaver get medical attention called on to the pitch for her weever upset that Fiero called on the assistance from the trainer that's why she's having to step off the field as whenever a trainer comes on to the pitch she players will have to step off off before they are allowed back on after the game restarts now Portland will have to play down to player for a few seconds so Weaver gets back on yeah that that was a decision he made really fast without even now you can see Providence part starting to make their own voice be heard Weaver now allowed back on the pitch Hogan all the way down the middle Sonic will fight forward against Sig she'll have a stare wide a stare with a shot Hogan gets a touch sees it over the crossbar it's been those opportunities in transition that Gotham has only needed those in order to create opportunities that look at that big smile on a stairs face and that confidence from goam yeah why wouldn't she she just got the third corner kick for for Gotham and a great opportunity to be a set piece to see if they can maybe why not score score another one here will give that ball to the thorns there certainly will be some added stoppage time we've got just under a minute left of Regulation between Gotham and Portland it's been an exciting one at Providence Park initially Sophia Smith found the back of the net until that goal was caught off by V then eventually as a got involved it was the 72nd minute Gotham just won in this one plenty of time left to be played though 10 minutes of stoppage time between Gotham and Portland Sig gets struck down it's a set piece for Portland [Applause] wide and sun should be careful that she already has that yellow card a great effort by Sophia me just keeping the ball and then IG continuing with that play great opportunity via set 10 minutes is plenty of time for either side get buckled in folks this has been an exciting one from Providence [Music] Park mry over this free kick mtry on the eight rather on the six Smith stays with it back out to Sophia Smith Smith with a cross on the ground hayatt clears it wide Taran Torres seeing her first minutes in a Gotham uniform this season coming on the pitch for aare the lone goal score in this one Taran Torres was drafted in the third round in 2021 to Gotham last year had an ACL injury so this is her first minutes since 2022 where she had nine starts for Gotham sense of an urgency from the Thorns down by one SAU Bron quick to restart it with coffee and hubly coffee out wide trying to find Reyes and will do it with a throw in son it with a big steal Sangle with son it Sangle keeps going stopped by Hubbly be play [Applause] on Mueller back to Coffee a lot of effort from the Portland numbers to track back defensively to stop that opportunity from stangle it'll go over the top brunia against Smith and a foul will be called against s Claire and this has been a a big turnaround just kind of giving you the feel of going box to box with opportunities from either side but of course the bigger effort for Portland just trying to see if they can save the day in this home opener and see if they can at least score a goal and get a tie a lot of fouls in this one too with 15 fouls against Gotham with 14 fouls against it's been a really physical game as hble clears this one centrally Portland look going to regain that possession with [Music] Sinclair and with that also we didn't have those spaces of just playing and playing and playe it always come to a stop and a stop cuz it's almost 30 Falls through the mat Sinclair out to Mueller rather sour run out to Mueller sour run on it again had stangle on her back forces the turnover mry will do the defensive work numbers going forward a touch on and Weaver can't redirect that one on target just under 6 minutes to go in Portland Thorn's really feeling that pressure Morgan Weaver feeling it too she's frustrated with herself after that lack of ability just to make that opportunity effective yeah and that is the word effectiv cuz the the opportunities were created the job was done but then you lack that last and final pass for it to be a goal Ryan tries to touch it P SAU Bron who will see that one out of bounds she's like no you're not more but Portland has to get moving 5 minutes to go to find a goal it's something Thorn have fought really hard for they've had 14 shots outshot Gotham in this game 9 to4 as Smith 1 V one against binia finds Mueller underneath Mueller with a touch backwards into Weaver Weaver tries to find mtry it's that last connection on the ground just in the attack in general that Portland has struggled to find because a lot of numbers back for Gotham doer of B to score two goals in 3 minutes against Kansas City so we're shy of four minutes away we'll see what ends up happening cuz when you're uphill sometimes players get the motivation out of it completely Fair Portland Thorn able to fight back not able to get the result against Kansas City but it was three goals in 19 minutes for the Thorns two of them from Smith one of them from Becky and Becky eventually to get a as well rather one from Smith two from Becky and that is a foul against Gotham and a yellow card to Bia [Applause] [Music] [Music] mol Tre Sinclair y that'll pop up by Hyatt and a corner kick for Portland yeah again Miller just using her feet to get the ball out and the corner is going to go fast short corner for coffee coffee with her left foot stclair straight into Miller oh Sinclair would want that one back that is one of the best opportunities for the thorns in this game and when you want to score a goal coming from a corner kick or just from a free kicking that area cuz it seemed like that that is the perfect position to be between the goalkeeper and that near post but Miller was there just to get the grab of that bow Sam copy led her team an assist last season had eight assists for the Thorns there a perfect ball from the midfielder and Sinclair in the right place completely unmarked by Gotham just over 2 minutes to go left an extra time Gotham trying to hold on to this lead as Miller just falls on the ball for a second FOH keeping an eye on the situation and this is an important win for Gotham the first one of the season and then an important um Stadium against a great team and then coming from what happened against San Diego so it's going to be a good momentum buil for them coming that they're going to another Match away Portland Thorns their next matchup is against louville at home and Gotham will travel to North Carolina for their next matchup North Carolina defeated by Utah this weekend so many different score lines that you don't really predict in the nwsl that's why there's so much parody in this league this is the first first regular season game for Gotham this season and every coach when they talk about going into Providence Park and having to perform they talk about the atmosphere and how mentally their team has to be locked in when you're a team like Gotham able to get the result in your season opener on the road at one of the hardest places to play that is a very very important feather to have in your cap three points three gold points maybe CU of the scenario where you're getting them stangle trying to kill time triples into the corner brunina will Dr up for the throw in Hogan looking to restart this one quickly has hubly wide hubly has to go back cuz Sonic with a high press SAU Brun over the top shean will win it checking her shoulders kill some time trying to find stangle [Music] close to the end of this [Music] one that will do it between the Portland