Pietra Tordin and Reilyn Turner each netted a goal as the Portland Thorns defeated the Seattle Reign 2-0 on Friday evening, despite the dismissal of two players with red cards.
This marked the 44th encounter between the two Pacific Northwest rivals in the National Women’s Soccer League. The match took place in front of a record attendance of 21,321 spectators for Portland’s home opener.
In other NWSL matches, the Orlando Pride and the visiting Denver Summit played to a 1-1 stalemate, while the Washington Spirit drew 2-2 with Racing Louisville.
Portland midfielder Cassandra Bogere was shown consecutive yellow cards in the eighth and ninth minutes, resulting in her expulsion.
Tordin’s header provided the Thorns with a 1-0 advantage in the 28th minute, and Turner’s goal extended the lead to 2-0 in the 37th, with Tordin credited with the assist.
The home team faced another setback in the 58th minute when Reyna Reyes received a straight red card for violent conduct against Madison Curry.
Sophia Wilson and Marie Müller made their season debuts at Providence Park in the following minute.
The overall series between the teams is now even at 17 wins, 17 losses, and 10 draws.
Banda scores a birthday goal in draw
Summit forward Melissa Kössler and Pride forward Barbra Banda each found the net for their respective teams for the second consecutive match in the draw in Orlando.
Kössler opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a well-placed ball from Natasha Flint.
Banda leveled the score on her birthday in the 61st minute, converting a cross into the box from Jacquie Ovalle.
This marked the first point secured by the expansion Summit and head coach Nick Cushing following a season-opening defeat at Bay FC.
Racing Louisville squanders two-goal lead and settle for home draw
Kayla Fischer initiated the scoring for Racing Louisville in the 28th minute with an assist from Emma Sears.
Sears added a goal of her own in the 42nd minute, collecting a loose ball and dribbling the length of the field to finish past goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, establishing a 2-0 lead.
Sofia Cantore narrowed the deficit for the Spirit in the 50th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box. Leicy Santos completed the visitors’ comeback with a goal in the 74th minute.
Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan made her return from maternity leave, marking her first appearance since October 6, 2024.
