MATCH RECAP: Portland Thorns FC 1, FC Kansas City 1

Lindsey Horan scored her second goal in as many matches to rescue a point for Portland Thorns FC as the club battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against 10-man FC Kansas City Saturday night in front of 3,022 at Swope Soccer Village. Horan leveled the scoring after Shea Groom was sent off early in the second half.

Horan headed in midfielder Tobin Heath’s corner in the 78th minute, tying the match after Groom gave Kansas City a 1-0 lead with a diving header in the first half. With the assist, Heath has taken her season total to three in just two games.

FC Kansas City were eager to keep Portland from securing it’s first regular season win against the two-time defending champion in Kansas City and opened the scoring in the 30th minute. Midfielder Heather O’Reilly put in a cross from the right side which found Groom sneaking in behind defender Emily Sonnett and in front of goalkeeper Michelle Betos, lunging forward to head the ball into the net.

However, the second half was off to a shocking start when Groom received a second yellow card for a hard sliding tackle into Betos just seconds after the restart. However, Portland was unable to pounce on the player advantage until late into the second half.

The physical match saw several players down throughout the contest with knocks. Kat Williamson was forced off with a right leg injury in the 40th minute, replaced by Katherine Reynolds who made her second appearance of the season. Betos and Klingenberg both went down deep into stoppage time but were able to finish the match.

Portland is remains winless in five regular season trips to Kansas City, though have now secured points from losing positions in two-straight games. Portland tied the Seattle Reign for most points recovered last season with 10 and have recovered four so far in 2016.

The Thorns will continue their road haul with a trip to visit the Boston Breakers on Sunday, May 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00pm PT.

Updates to follow…