The first night of summer felt more like early spring at Providence Park, and it was reflected in the Portland Thorns’ dreary first-half play Saturday night.
But then the Thorns did what they’ve done all season at home: find a way. Portland woke up in the second half and beat the struggling Chicago Stars 1-0 to remain unbeaten in 2025 at Providence Park.
The Thorns broke through in the 59th minute with a series of pinpoint passes that led to rookie Pietra Tordin’s third goal of the NWSL season. That held up as Portland (6-3-4, 22 points) moved into fourth place in the league table heading into a six-week midseason break for international play.
The result was Portland’s ninth consecutive win or tie at home this season. The Thorns have won consecutive matches for the first time since winning six in a row from April 20 to May 17, 2024.
“I’m really proud of this group, we’re three points out of second place,” Portland coach Rob Gale said. “We have the youngest team in the league and six players not available for the rest of the season. It’s a remarkable achievement, I don’t care what anyone says.
“You tell me the people who believed in that outside of this room. I didn’t see them at the start of the season, that wasn’t the narrative around our team. And I’m so pleased and proud of the players because they deserve it.”
The Thorns have outscored Chicago (1-9-3, 6 points) 19-1 in their last eight regular-season meetings.
Portland goalkeeper Bella Bixby recorded her 27th shutout for the team, passing AD Franch for the most in club history. Just before Saturday’s game, the team announced a contract extension for Bixby through the 2026 season.
“I love this club so much and I feel like I was in some ways raised in this stadium,” said Bixby, a Rex Putnam High graduate. “I’ve seen so many iterations of this team and the amazing goalkeepers who have come through this club. They’ve all touched my career in meaningful ways and I’m proud to have my name among them.”
Said Gale: “The club means so much to her. When we’re doing high fives as we leave to go out to the field, she’s the last one I see and we just have a little hug. She’s a leader, and she deserves that record.”
With the temperature in the mid-50s and rain falling intermittently throughout the match, the Thorns came out looking more like the team that was trying to find its way in March than the one that has risen up the NWSL standings over the last two months.
Despite the perceived mismatch on paper, Portland failed to register a shot on target in the opening half. Jessie Fleming put the first shot on goal in the 52nd minute, but failed to seriously test Chicago goalkeeper Halle Mackiewicz.
Seven minutes later, the home side jolted the crowd of 17,799 to life with a brilliant team goal. Hina Sugita led Sam Coffey into the penalty area with well-weighted ball, then Coffey pounded a low cross across the face of the goal in the path of a streaking Tordin, who rocketed a shot over a helpless Mackiewicz and into the roof of the net.
Coffey admitted she was looking to connect with Reilyn Turner, who was well-marked in front of the goal, but the ball went through to Tordin.
“Thank God I missed (Turner) because she was less open than Pietra was, so it worked out,” said Coffey, who mostly plays a defensive midfield role but occasionally pushes forward. “I think a big thing for me is trying to join the attack more, and not be so committed to that ‘six’ role of mine.”
Tordin has scored in each of her first three career starts, including two NWSL matches and the third-place game in the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
“She’s such a baller,” Coffey said of Tordin. “Her feet are insane, she honestly reminds me of Christine Sinclair in so many ways. She’s a clinical finisher in the box, and just so tricky and savvy.”
Payton Linnehan had two prime scoring chances shortly after replacing Tordin in the second half. Mackiewicz fended off a hard strike by Linnehan from close range in the 65th minute, then Linnehan hit the crossbar with an attempt from 15 yards out in the 71st minute.
The NWSL will now go on an extended break as some players will join international teams for friendly matches and others will travel to month-long tournaments.
The Thorns are scheduled to host friendlies at Providence Park on July 23 and 26, but the details of those games are still being finalized. Their next league game will be August 3 at the Washington Spirit.
The Thorns will have several players away for international duty, and those who remain will get some time away from the team to recharge and visit their homes.
“They get to get some rest and be human beings for the first time since January,” said Gale. “But then we’re back here a week later and right through until November. They get on really well as a group, but it’s also important to go out and see the people who are behind them.”
The Thorns announced Friday that rookie winger Caiya Hanks will miss the remainder of the season with an injury to her left knee. Hanks tore her ACL in last Sunday’s home win over Washington. The 20-year-old started the season in a reserve role but earned increased playing time due to her speed and dynamic presence on the attack, scoring two goals and leading the team with nine shots on target this season.
Hanks is the fourth Thorns player to be placed on the season-ending injury list, joining Marie Muller, Nicole Payne and Morgan Weaver. Olivia Wade-Katoa and Sophia Wilson are out for the year on maternity leave.