 |
| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved |
By Lou Roesch
Special Correspondent
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2018) Christine Sinclair playing in her 100 NWSL match for
the Portland Thorns FC (shown right) celebrated with a goal an assist to lead PTFC to a 3-1
win over the Houston Dash. Portland, in fourth place, and coming off a loss in
Chicago wanted to make a statement here in Houston where they have never lost.
Portland secured the three points and slowed down a Houston team that was
starting three new faces with minimal training time together.
“I think every game is
important now, every game is important,” said Portland head coach Mark Parsons
following the match, "but this one and every game after will be crucial. I think
we thrive in the biggest games and this was a big one for us give our schedule
coming up. We have been performing well on the road and we wanted to grab a few
more points on the road and we did that tonight.”
 |
| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved |
Portland got on the
board early as Tobin Heath (shown left) scored in the ninth minute of play. Sinclair played a quick one two in midfield
with Ellie Carpenter and found herself running at the Dash defense.
Crnogorcevic dummied the ball to allow Heath through and the midfielder
made no mistake, passing the ball into the net with the outside of her boot at
Jane Campbell’s near post.
Although PTFC would
allow the equalizer just three minutes later to Sofia Huerta, goalkeeper
Adrianna Franch in her first game back would clamp down allowing nothing the
rest of the way.
Portland got the go
ahead goal in the 33rd minute. Once again it was Sinclair who got
things started playing a ball down the line to former Dash defender Meghan
Klingenberg. The defender’s cross found Crngorcevic whose first attempt was
blocked by Campbell but the rebound came right back to her and a slow motion
header found the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. Sinclair would finish
Houston off with her league leading seventh goal of the season in the 83rd
minute.
“We showed great
character and great discipline and commitment to a hard task to keep Houston
quiet,” concluded Parsons. “To score three goals away from home is exceptional
scoring especially in a hard place against a Vera coached team is very hard.
She has done a great job here. So I am proud of the group and now we have to
refresh for a big one on Wednesday.”
Portland (5-4-4, 19 points) welcomes winless Sky Blue
to Providence Park on Wednesday June 27. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
No comments:
Post a Comment