Portland Rain captain Nicole Strong attempts a shot in the 2nd half against Spokane. Photo by Jeremiah Mitchell Braeback.

HILLSBORO, OR - With both their season's on the line, the Spokane Shine (4-2-2, 14 pts) and Portland Rain (4-3-2, 14 pts.) needed to secure a victory in hope of catching WPSL Northwest Divsion leaders Issaquah SC (5-1-2, 17 pts).

Portland came out strong from the start, pressing Spokane in their half of the field and controlling much of the possession in the first 15 minutes before a Spokane counterattack resulted in a Lisa Robertson corner kick.that found Darci Smith for the game's only goal in the 17th minute. Portland continued to push on in their attack, but battling the heat, a stingy goalkeeper in Stephanie Busch, and the absence of star forward Ellie Boon proved to be too much in the end. While Portland was in control for much of the game, a lack of communication and poor officiating led to a frustrating end to Portland's playoff hopes.

NOTES-

• Portland outshot Spokane 13-5
• With the loss, Portland has been eliminated from playoff contention, with only Spokane and Issaquah SC battling for the division crown and lone spot in the WPSL Playoffs.
• Without Ellie Boon, Portland came out in a 4-5-1 with Nicole Strong as the lone striker. Spokane countered with a 4-4-2.
• Portland's home record dropped to 1-2-1, while were 3-1-1 on the road.
• Once the season ends, many of these players will return to the field in August at high schools and colleges throughout the Northwest.
• Portland's final game of the season with be next Sunday, July 15 at Gladstone High School, 18800 Portland Avenue, Gladstone, OR when they host Eugene Metros FC at 3:00PM. Pending the result of the Portland Timbers U23s match with Washington Crossfire on Wednesday in Redmond, WA, this could be at doubleheader. With a Portland win, they would host Kitsap Pumas in an evening playoff match up. The season series was split 1-1-1, with Portland having a greater goal differential.