Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan played well, but couldn’t stop the Th0rns. (ISI Photos)
PORTLAND, Ore. – NJ/NY Gotham FC ended its two-game west coast trip with a second consecutive loss, dropping a 2-1 National Women’s Soccer League decision to the Portland Thorns at Providence Park Wednesday night.
Sophia Smith and Christine Sinclair scored for league-leader Portland (10-3-2, 32 points), Carli Lloyd for fifth-place Gotham (5-4-6, 21), which lost a two-goal lead en route to a 3-2 defeat at OL Reign Aug. 22.
The Thorns forced goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to make several saves in the early going.
In the 29th minute, Smith’s high pressure forced a turnover from defender Erica Skroski just outside the box that resulted in a goal. Ten minutes later, Estelle Johnson fouled Smith on a pass into the penalty area that was awarded a penalty kick. Sinclair converted for a 2-0 lead.
Coming out of halftime, Gotham FC transitioned from a 3-5-2 to its 4-3-3 formation, which opened up play. In the 78th minute, Caprice Dydasco sent in a cross to the penalty spot that was headed on by Lloyd to get Gotham FC on the scoreboard. Dydasco has four assists on the season and is level with Naho Kawasumi as the team’s assist leaders.
The remainder of the game was played predominantly in Portland’s end where Gotham FC created several chances but was unable to find the equalizer.
In a quick turnaround, Gotham FC will return home to Red Bull Arena Sunday to take on the Orlando Pride on Olympic Return Night. The team will welcome back Olympians Carli Lloyd, Kailen Sheridan,and Evelyne Viens from the Tokyo Olympics.
