Morgan Weaver and Christine Sinclair scored goals to help the Portland Thorns post a stunning 2-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Orlando Pride on Friday night.
The loss ended Orlando’s NWSL record streak at 24 matches (18-0-6), dating back to the final contest of the 2023 season.
The Pride (17-1-6, 57 points) attempted to rest some key players after clinching the NWSL Shield for the league’s best record in their previous match against the Washington Spirit on Sunday.
However, due to the deficit, standouts Barbra Banda and Adriana subbed in during the 65th minute and Brazilian legend Marta entered the match in the 76th minute.
Sinclair’s goal was her 78th across all competitions, tying Sam Kerr for second in NWSL history. Lynn Williams of NJ/NY Gotham holds the mark of 79. Sinclair, 41, announced late last month that she will retire at the end of the season.
The Thorns (9-11-4, 31 points) halted a seven-match winless streak (0-6-1) in NWSL play and moved into sole possession of seventh place. Portland played without star forward Sophia Smith, who has an ankle injury.
Shelby Hogan made four saves for the Thorns while posting her eighth shutout of the season.
Olivia Moultrie started Portland’s first scoring sequence in the 13th minute with a looping corner kick. Reyna Reyes was in position to head the ball toward the Orlando goal, and Weaver tapped it in with her left foot for her third goal of the season.
It was the first time the Pride trailed in a match since March 22, when they played to a 1-1 draw with Angel City.
Moultrie had a chance to add to the lead in the fifth and final minute of first-half stoppage play, but her right-footed shot was wide to the left.
In the 55th minute, Sam Coffey fed the ball to Sinclair, who was stationed in front of the net near the back of the box. She unleashed a right-footed shot into the left portion of the net to give Portland a two-goal lead.
Anna Moorhouse made four saves for Orlando.
–Field Level Media
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