Match Recap: Seattle Reign FC Beats Portland Thorns FC in Penalties
In the last bit of action before the team’s return to regular season play on Friday, August 1, Seattle Reign FC battled to a 0-0 draw in regulation before taking down Portland Thorns FC 5-4 in penalty kicks.
The first half of the match was a back-and-forth battle between the bitter rivals. Bringing the entertainment promised by every Cascadia rivalry match, the first 15 minutes of play saw the ball move end-to-end, with each side tallying two shots and a corner kick but failing to find the final touch needed to get on the board.
Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey did well to handle every shot Portland fired her way and maintained a clean sheet through the first 45 minutes. Midfielder Sam Meza and Portland’s Sam Coffey were booked in the first half, setting the tone for a fierce second half.
To start the second 45 minutes of play, the Thorns were on front foot, but the Reign quickly answered back. Midfielder Sally Menti had a near chance on goal in the 50th minute, but Portland was able to deflect the ball out of danger. Menti continued to put Portland under pressure as both teams made a series of substitutions to see the match out to the final whistle. At the end of 90 minutes, the score remained 0-0, sending the match to a penalty kick shootout.
The teams were perfect through the first three shots before Dickey made a save on Portland’s fourth penalty kick attempt. Portland’s goalkeeper answered back with a save and the home side converted its fifth kick, so the teams were forced into a sudden-death scenario.
Midfielder Maddie Mercado stepped up to the spot and confidently nailed her shot. Then, in the final action of the match, Dickey saved Portland’s sixth attempt and the Reign were victorious on the road in Portland.
NEXT UP: Seattle Reign FC makes its long-awaited return to NWSL play at Lumen Field on Friday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m. PT against Angel City FC in the club’s annual Pride Match presented by Starbucks Coffee Company. Get tickets for the can’t-miss match HERE.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Reign FC 0 (5) – Portland Thorns FC 0 (4)
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Venue: Providence Park
Weather: 71 degrees and sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
None
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SEA – Sam Meza (caution) 13’
POR – Sam Coffey (caution) 39’
POR – Daiane (caution) 84’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Sofia Huerta, Emily Mason (Nérilia Mondesir 62’), Phoebe McClernon ©, Jordyn Bugg (Hanna Glas 70’), Madison Curry (Shae Holmes 62’); Sally Menti, Sam Meza (Ainsley McCammon 62’); Maddie Dahlien (Jordyn Huitema 62’), Mia Fishel (Maddie Mercado 46’), Emeri Adames
Substitutes not used: Neeku Purcell, Maddie Prohaska
Portland Thorns FC – Mackenzie Arnold; Reyna Reyes, Isabella Obaze (Daiane 63’), Sam Hiatt (Jayden Perry 76’), Kaitlyn Torpey (Mallie McKenzie 76’); Sam Coffey © (Payton Linnehan 63’), Hina Sugita, Jessie Fleming (Carissa Boeckmann 76’); Olivia Moultrie (Naomi Powell 81’), Pietra Tordin (Reilyn Turner 63’), Mimi Alidou
Substitutes not used: Brooklyn Reid, Alexa Spaanstra