Portland neutralizes San Diego Wave FC attack, snaps five-game win streak

Portland’s lone loss on the season came against San Diego. They tied 2-2 against the NC Courage before the international break. On Sunday, they defeated a good Angel City FC squad 2-1 thanks to goals from Pietra Tordin and Sophia Wilson. Tordin has three goals and two assists on the season.

The Thorns capitalized on their first attacking opportunity 10 minutes into the match. With the Wave backline intact, Olivia Moultrie completed a pass to 25-year-old Marie Müller, who stepped into the shot from distance. Müller converted a beautiful strike that entered the right side of the net, scoring her first-career goal.

San Diego’s attack was active throughout the game, but they failed to generate dangerous scoring opportunities. Their first shot on goal came in the 60th minute from Gabi Portilho, who was brought on at halftime. Eidevall also inserted forward Melanie Barcenas, looking for a spark.

In the 64th minute, Thorns forward Sophia Wilson released her shot right outside the box, and it lasered past goalkeeper Leah Freeman and into the bottom left of the net. This was Wilson’s second goal in four days.

She has scored 47 goals (including postseason) since 2021—a skilled goal scorer.

With a two-goal lead, the Thorns shifted all of its focus and energy to defend. San Diego finished the game with more possession (58-42), shots (11), and corner kicks (five). While the stats favored the visiting squad, Portland was the much better team.

The two standouts for Portland were Müller, whose early goal proved to be the game-winner, and Mackenzie Arnold, who made three saves protecting the net.

During their win streak, the Wave defeated Utah (2-1), Portland (3-1), Chicago (3-0), Boston (1-0), and Denver (3-2). They’ll have to regroup and start another one.

San Diego won’t have to wait long to get back on track, as they return to Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday, May 3, and play Bay FC.