Match Recap: Portland Thorns FC 3, Washington Spirit 3

Portland Thorns FC played out a wild 3-3 draw with the Washington Spirit Sunday night in the club’s final home match of the 2015 NWSL season in front of sold out Providence Park. After the Spirit took a 2-0 lead into halftime, the Thorns came back with three second half goals through Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Jodie Taylor before Crystal Dunn salvaged a point for the visitors.

Washington opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Dunn broke away on a counter attack before feeding Francesca Ordega who finished low between goalkeeper Nadine Angerer’s legs. Dunn then gave Washington a two-goal cushion just before halftime, rising to head a corner kick in off the left post.

Portland came out with renewed determination in the second half. Lianne Sanderson lofted a through ball forward for Morgan, who chipped it first time over Ashlyn Harris and into the net in the 53rd minute. The goal marked Morgan’s first of the season Tobin Heath then made it 2-2 from a penalty kick in the 70th minute after she was fouled in the box. Portland had missed four penalties this season coming into the match, but Heath scored her first goal of the season in her first attempt from the spot.

In her final match at Providence Park, Rachel Van Hollebeke was integral to Portland taking a 3-2 lead in the 80th minute. Van Hollebeke lofted a cross to the far post from the right flank, finding the head of Morgan who laid the ball square across the face of goal for Taylor to tap home.

However, Washington would spoil the party just a minute later, with Dunn scoring her second of the match with a low shot into the right corner to tie things up at 3-3, a score that would hold to the final whistle. The result marks the second-straight time Washington has visited Portland, taken a 2-0 lead and the match ending in a draw. Portland came from 2-0 down to tie 2-2 back on May 9.

Both Angerer and Van Hollebeke were honored before the match for their contributions to the Thorns organization. Owner Merritt Paulson and General Manager Gavin Wilkinson were on hand to present framed jerseys to the two players.

"You make this perfect to end my career," said Angerer when addressing the crowd before the match.

Post Game Interviews

Unfortunately, we only have audio for the interviews with Paul Riley and Alex Morgan.  We were able to fix the issues for the interviews with Tobin Heath and Rachel Van Hollebeke, -JMB

Head Coach Paul Riley

Forward Alex Morgan

Midfielder Tobin Heath

Defender Rachel Van Hollebeke