Five Unforgettable Reign vs. Thorns Matches
Since the inception of the NWSL, the Seattle vs. Portland rivalry has produced some of the most intense, can’t-miss matches to date. From late game-winners to marquee matches, the fiercest rivalry in the league always lives up to the hype.
The two sides are set to square off for the 42nd time in rivalry history this Friday, April 18, at Lumen Field (7:00 p.m. PT / Prime Video / TICKETS). Get fired up for the match with a trip down memory lane – here are five of the most unforgettable Reign vs. Thorns matches:
Reign FC’s first win over Portland – May 10, 2014
In the fifth all-time meeting between the two teams, the Reign picked up their first of now-15 wins against the Thorns in dramatic fashion at Providence Park in Portland on May 10, 2014.
In front of Portland’s home crowd, the match was decided by an 89th minute game-winning goal from iconic Reign star Kim Little. After forward Bev Yanez forced a giveaway from Portland, Little found herself baring down on goal. The midfielder dribbled straight at German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer before cutting to right and slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Biggest win in head-to-head history – July 27, 2014
The incredible 2014 season brought an unforgettable victory for the Reign – the largest in head-to-head history between the bitter rivals. In the only match that has featured five goals for either team, the Reign had the pleasure of hosting Portland at Memorial Stadium.
The scoring was early and often for the Reign. Capitalizing on an early mistake from Portland, forward Sydney Leroux received a pass from Yanez, allowing her to get in on goal in just the third minute of the match. Midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi added the next two goals, followed by forward Megan Rapinoe and Little.
The win put the Reign just match away from securing the NWSL Shield for the first time.
Three goals in 12 minutes – July 26, 2015
In another big win over the Thorns, the Reign scored a trio of goals between the 38th and 50th minutes of the match. Playing in front of a record-breaking sellout crowd at Memorial Stadium, the victory boosted the Reign into first place in the NWSL standings – a position that would eventually earn them their second-ever NWSL Shield.
Fishlock got the scoring started in the 38th minute after receiving a through ball from Little. Immediately after halftime, Yanez put the game away, finishing a cross from Little with her head in the 46th minute and tapping in a close-range finish on a cross from Rapinoe in the 50th minute.
Back and forth battle to 3-2 win – May 5, 2018
A classically intense Cascadia Rivalry match, this end-to-end match featured a plethora of chances for both teams in front of an energetic crowd at Providence Park. Two Reign fan favorites combined on a corner kick to get the party started – Kawasumi delivered the set piece to the head of Yanez, who made no mistakes as she headed the ball home for her first goal of the 2018 season. Portland scored the first goal of the second half to level the score, courtesy of defender Emily Sonnett.
Tensions flared as the match continued on, with Fishlock at the heart. The crafty midfielder worked her way into the 18-yard box, only to be taken down by Portland’s Ana-Maria Crnogorčević. Forward Jodie Taylor placed the ensuing penalty kick to Angerer’s left, retaking the lead for the Reign. That lead, however, did not last long as six minutes later, Lindsey Horan tied the score with a header.
After 75 minutes of back and forth, the stage was set for Rumi Utsugi to seal the deal for the Reign. From 25-yards out, Utsugi cut the ball to her left foot and released a shot into the bottom corner of the goal. The Reign held onto the 3–2 lead fiercely, despite an intense 15 minutes to close out the match.
Doubleheader with Seattle Sounders FC – August 29, 2021
In the first-of-its-kind doubleheader match hosted at Lumen Field with Seattle Sounders FC, the Reign downed Portland 2-1 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 27,278 fans.
Of course, it was Fishlock and Rapinoe who combined to open the scoring of the match. Fishlock played a through ball to Rapinoe, who took a few touches to reach the top of the 18-yard box, before unleashing a low, hard strike in the 16th minute.
Rapinoe completed her brace in the 40th minute of the match, when a Portland handball inside the penalty area forced a kick from the spot. Cool as ever, the veteran attacker once again took a low shot to beat Bella Bixby in goal.
The Thorns found one goal back in stoppage time of the first half, but it was not enough to overcome the home side in the historic match.
Don’t miss the next edition of the Cascadia rivalry, this Friday, April 18 at Lumen Field! The rivalry match kicks off 7:00 p.m. PT. Don’t miss out! Single match tickets, as well as a special Queen City Social offer are available now.