NWSL Challenge Cup news: Courage ruthless against Washington, Racing remain perfect

NWSL Challenge Cup West Division news: Betfort, and Thorns pound San Diego at Providence Park to move four points from top

Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave

4-1 Portland Thorns 

Heading into this Challenge Cup match after an extended break, it was difficult to predict what Mike Norris’ Portland Thorns were going to do. They had lost three straight across all competitions, finding the back of the net once. It looked like the wake-up call the defending champions needed. If this team wanted a chance at making it into the Challenge Cup semifinals, this was a match where the Thorns needed all three points. OL Reign hold the top spot in the West Division with a 3-1-0 record. Casey Stoney’s side grew into the game after Hannah Betfort scored in the first 10 minutes.

Behind an incredible Bella Bixby save, and a little bit of luck, Portland held a one-goal advantage at the end of 45 minutes. Nearly 50 percent of the Thorns shots forced Shae Yanez into action. That was the difference. Betfort had two goals and an assist for the home side, putting the ball in the back of the net for the second straight match. It was her first multi-goal game of her NWSL career. In 72 minutes between the white lines, Portland’s No. 33 was making unselfish passes in the box, and forcefully driving the ball into the top corner with her head.

Taylor Kornieck’s height earned San Diego a goal in the 81′, but it was way too late. The Thorns attacked looked revitalized after this break. Portland got the ball out on the flank, and was purposeful in its forward play. Somebody had to step up considering the amount of losses this club has experienced since the camps pre-World Cup commenced. In a critical Challenge Cup fixture in front of the home fans, it was Betfort who delivered in the most important area of the pitch.