Photo Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Thorns achieved a remarkable feat on Friday night, drawing a historic crowd of 21,321 fans for their home opener, the largest attendance in the team’s history.
The match commenced with both literal and figurative fireworks, as Cassandra Bogere was issued two yellow cards within the first nine minutes—setting a record for the quickest double-yellow dismissal in NWSL history. The decisions, made in the 8th and 9th minutes, sparked frustration among the home fans, though both bookings were justifiable as Bogere repeatedly impeded play without making any effort to contest the ball.
Despite facing a challenging situation early on, the Thorns went into the halftime break with a two-goal advantage. They capitalized on their numerical disadvantage by effectively using set-pieces, launching quick attacks, and taking advantage of defensive lapses from the visiting team.
Portland opened the scoring in the 28th minute, converting an Olivia Moultrie corner kick that found an unmarked Pietra Tordin, who headed the ball home. The home crowd erupted in familiar chants, buoyed by the sudden lead.
Shortly thereafter, Tordin turned provider for Reilyn Turner, who took advantage of a defensive misstep to score in the 37th minute. With two defenders back, Turner outpaced Emily Mason and finished clinically, extending Portland’s lead just before halftime.
The second half saw a reinvigorated Reign side, pressing harder for a goal. However, Portland’s defense, bolstered by their lead, efficiently packed the back line. This stout defense became even more imperative after a second red card for the Thorns in the 57th minute. After a lengthy VAR review, Reyna Reyes was sent off for violent conduct after pulling Madison Curry’s hair.
In the ensuing confusion, Portland attempted to substitute Marie Müller, who inadvertently received a yellow card for entering the field prematurely. Nonetheless, the Thorns also welcomed back Sophia Wilson, making her first regular-season appearance in Portland since 2024, and her presence helped manage the Reign’s attacking threat while providing valuable ball retention and breakaway opportunities.
Despite the tactical shifts, the Reign’s offense struggled to find rhythm, failing to resemble the side that had previously recorded two goals in Orlando. A series of crosses failed to connect, thwarted either by Portland defenders or goalkeeper Morgan Messner, who performed admirably under pressure.
The intensity of the home crowd reached a crescendo as the final whistle blew, marking a thrilling inaugural victory for the Thorns in the 2026 season.
