Pietra Tordin and Reilyn Turner both scored as the Portland Thorns claimed a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Reign on Friday evening, despite having two players ejected with red cards.
This match marked the 44th encounter between the two rivals in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and took place in front of a record crowd of 21,321 at Portland’s home opener.
In other NWSL action, the Orlando Pride played to a 1-1 draw against the visiting Denver Summit. Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit and Racing Louisville ended in a 2-2 tie.
Portland midfielder Cassandra Bogere was shown consecutive yellow cards in the 8th and 9th minutes and subsequently sent off.
Tordin’s header provided the Thorns with a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute, which was followed by Turner’s goal, assisted by Tordin, extending the lead to 2-0 in the 37th minute.
The Thorns faced another setback when Reyna Reyes received a straight red card for violent conduct in the 58th minute against Madison Curry.
Newcomers Sophia Wilson and Marie Müller made their season debuts at Providence Park shortly after.
The rivalry series is now even at 17 wins for Portland, 17 for Seattle, and 10 draws.
Banda Talents Shine on Birthday
In Orlando, Summit forward Melissa Kössler and Pride forward Barbra Banda each added to their goal tally once again, leading to a 1-1 stalemate.
Kössler opened the scoring in the 24th minute, finishing a perfectly timed pass from Natasha Flint.
Banda marked her birthday with an equalizer in the 61st minute, thanks to a well-placed cross from Jacquie Ovalle.
This result gave the expansion Summit their first point, following a season-opening loss against Bay FC.
Racing Louisville Loses Lead Late
Kayla Fischer netted the opening goal for Racing Louisville in the 28th minute with an assist from Emma Sears.
Sears then added a second goal in the 42nd minute, driving the ball downfield to score past goalkeeper Sandy MacIver for a 2-0 advantage.
The Spirit narrowed the deficit when Sofia Cantore scored from outside the box in the 50th minute, followed by a goal from Leicy Santos in the 74th to complete the comeback.
Additionally, Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan made her return after maternity leave, marking her first match since October 6, 2024.