Quick Recap: Portland Thorns End Goal Drought, Draw Western New York Flash 1-1

It wasn't a perfect game, defensive issues abounded, but the Portland Thorns managed to earn a well deserved point against a resurging Western New York Flash side lead by the likes of Abby Wambach. While the point will certainly come as a welcome relief after some late second half gaffes, the Portland Thorns may end up looking back on this game as a missed opportunity. Luckily some other league results proved to be favorable to the Thorns this weekend.

Wambach opened the scoring sheet in the first half with an absolute stunner of a goal. It goes to show that while Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan are two of the best strikers in the country (possibly world), there's just nothing like Abby Wambach out there. The Thorns almost immediately responded with one of their own, however, care of Mana Shim, her second of the season. Shim, a rookie, is having a huge impact on the season so far.

Of course the big news of the game was Tobin Heath's first appearance as a Thorns. The verdict? Not bad. I think it might have been a tad unfair to expect so much from her in the very first game, but she definitely had some bright spots. With three or four more games, she could definitely develop into the type of player we've all been looking for.

Finally, Karina LeBlanc, as usual, came up huge by not only keeping Wambach's other shots muted, but by saving a PK by the FIFA Player of the Year. Not many keepers can make that save and LeBlanc, by doing so, single handedly kept them alive.

The Thorns next play the Boston Breakers one week from today away from home.

What's your reaction to the result?