Portland dashes by Houston 3-1

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 33^rd 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 83^rd 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.