Stumptown Footy: All Posts by Grant Little

Match Thread: Portland Thorns vs. Kansas City Current

2022-04-30T14:33:43-07:00

Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images

The Thorns kick off their regular season campaign at Providence Park.

The Portland Thorns today kick off their regular season campaign at home against the Kansas City Current. The match is slated to commence at 3 p.m. Pacific in Providence Park. The Thorns are coming off a 1-0 away loss to Angel City FC which knocked Portland out of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Kansas City have won their past two matches against the Chicago Red Stars and the Houston Dash by a score of 2-1. The Current won their Challenge Cup group and will have one eye on their semifinal against the North Carolina Courage on Wednesday.

The two teams did not meet in the Challenge Cup and will go head to head for the first time in 2022.

Location: Providence Park | Portland, OR

Time: 3:00 PM PST

Watch: Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/nwslofficial)

Pregame Reading

Match Preview: Portland Thorns vs. Kansas City Current

Highs and Lows: Portland Thorns 0-1 Angel City

PTFC For Peace Recap & Highlights: Team Yellow 4-3 Team Blue

Lineups

Portland Thorns FC

Today's XI for the season opener. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/iRPMPpAaQ0
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 30, 2022

Kansas City Current

WHO'S READY?!#PORvKC | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/yhKtZyLNvn
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) April 30, 2022

PTFC For Peace Recap & Highlights: Team Yellow 4-3 Team Blue

2022-04-27T19:44:32-07:00

PTFC/Craig Mitchelldyer

United for Ukraine.

Team Yellow emerged victorious against Team Blue 4-3 as good vibes and chaos reigned supreme at Providence Park.

This was the first time in history that the Timbers and Thorns played in a mixed game. The rosters are available here. The match raised awareness and aid in relief efforts for families and children in Ukraine affected by the war. You can donate to UNICEF USA here.

One Club. One PTFC for Peace. #RCTID #PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/2i9buIjVWr
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 28, 2022

2’ Hannah Betfort stretched in an attempt to get a touch on an inswinging ball but she was unable to steer it toward goal.
6’ Yimmi Chara was played through on goal by Christine Sinclair but Aljaz Ivacic made the save even though the flag was up for offside.
7’ Morgan Weaver was denied one-versus-one by Ivacic.
9’ Weaver played it to Madison Pogarch, who swung in a cross. Nathan Fogaca flung himself at the ball and scored a diving header past the inspired Ivacic.

First goal of the night courtesy of @NathanFogaca7‼️#PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/v1pvkCZ4XY
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 28, 2022

13’ Bill Tuiloma drove at Larrys Mabiala and played it to Christine Sinclair. The Canadian returned it to Tuiloma, who went down in the box. The referee waved play on.
14’ The ball fell to Mabiala in the box. He lashed at the ball and it went wide of goal.
20’ Yimmi Chara was booked for a dive in the box.
21’ Betfort ran alongside her defender and stepped inside to win the ball. She curled a shot on goal but it was saved by the keeper.
23’ Betfort got on the end of a great cross and hit it into the roof of the net to equalize.

.@hcbetfort finishes with authority off the knee cap to knot this one, 1-1. #PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/71NeBhFUF7
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 28, 2022

30’ Yimmi Chara was fed through on goal. The keeper came out to narrow the angle and Chara chipped him to make it 2-1.

It's Yimmi for the lead!#PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/lUACibnX7f
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 28, 2022

31’ Nathan made it 3-1 right before the half as he got to the ball after a Kelli Hubly clearance and hit it into an open net.

.@NathanFogaca7 has a brace ✌️#PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/I1duxEBWi0
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 28, 2022

32’ Olivia Moultrie started the second half with a shot from distance that rose over the bar.
37’ Santiago Moreno dribbled up the pitch and played it to Tega Ikoba. He shot from the top of the box right into the arms of Abby Smith.
38’ Moultrie cut inside and released another shot from distance which curled just wide of the post.
40’ Gabby Provenzano slipped the ball wide to Yazmeen Ryan. She fired toward the near post and it was parried wide.
43’ The Blue team looked to have cut the lead in half but Yellow made a goalline clearance to keep the lead at two goals.
46’ Ryan launched a shot a goal and Hunter Sulte had to extend and tip the ball over the crossbar.
47’ Team Blue capitalized on the ensuing corner. Jaroslaw Niezgoda back-heeled the ball into the back of the net after a scrum in the box, making it 3-2.

Cheeky, Jaro. #PTFCForPeace #RCTID pic.twitter.com/wLUWbVJEat
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 28, 2022

54’ Team Blue attempted to curl a shot toward the top corner of the goal. It took a wicked deflection and found its way into the back of the net.

#PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/uSO4Kl83gp
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 28, 2022

57’ Chaos ensued as everyone entered the pitch including Giovanni Savarese.
58’ Team Yellow made it 4-3 in a special moment as Ukrainian Vova Kubrakov scored to make it 4-3.

VOVA KUBRAKOV #PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/y3Oapl85GD
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 28, 2022

The Thorns kick off their regular season on Saturday, April 30, against the Kansas City Current. Kick off in Providence Park is slated for 3 p.m. Pacific. The Timbers return to action on the same day with kick off in Colorado against the Rapids scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific.

PTFC For Peace Match Thread: Team Yellow vs. Team Blue

2022-04-27T16:35:44-07:00

PTFC/Craig Mitchelldyer

Team Blue and Team Yellow face off in an effort to raise money for UNICEF and Ukraine.

Team Yellow take on Team Blue tonight in Providence Park as the Thorns and Timbers combine to play a match to raise funds for UNICEF and Ukraine. Team Blue is captained by Kelli Hubly and Diego Chara and will be coached by Rhian Wilkinson. Team Yellow’s captains are Christine Sinclair and Sebastian Blanco. They are led by Giovanni Savarese.

Jake Zivin and Crystal Dunn will be in the booth calling the game, and Karina LeBlanc and Liam Ridgewell will be reporting from the sidelines. Admission to tonight’s match at Providence Park is free but donations are encouraged. Even if you are not attending the match, you can donate using the link below.

Donate: www.unicefusa.org/PTFC

Location: Providence Park | Portland, OR

Time: 6:00 PM PST

Watch: www.timbers.com

Pregame Reading

PTFC for Peace | Ukrainian referee Sergii Demianchuk honored to mix his love of soccer with his pride for his homeland

Ahead of PTFC for Peace charity match, Sebastián Blanco reflects on his time in Ukraine

The Universal Language | Thorns FC’s Emily Menges talks about what playing for PTFC for Peace means to her

PTFC for Peace | An interview with UNICEF USA CEO Michael Nyenhuis about the game’s impact and how he’s a fan of Portland soccer

PTFC for Peace Draft Open Thread

Lineups

Team Yellow

Hello Yellow #PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/tWlwiHs1UM
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 28, 2022

Team Blue

Let's do this, Team Blue. #PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/9X5BPo3WF6
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 28, 2022

NWSL Challenge Cup Match Thread: Portland Thorns vs. Angel City

2022-04-24T17:12:16-07:00

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images

The Thorns can advance to the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals with a draw or win.

The Portland Thorns today travel to Titan Stadium to take on Angel City FC. The Thorns have already clinched second place in the West Group of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup but can secure passage to the semifinals with a win or a draw.

The Thorns will be without head coach Rhian Wilkinson as well as five players due to COVID protocol, including Portland’s top goal scorer Sophia Smith.

Angel City FC come into the match having lost four consecutive matches and have only taken one point from five games in the Challenge Cup.

The teams previously met at Providence Park on Wednesday, March 30. The Thorns won 3-0 thanks to goals from Smith, Yazmeen Ryan and Morgan Weaver.

Location: Titan Stadium | Fullerton, CA

Time: 6:00 PM PST

Watch: Paramount+

Pregame Reading

Match preview: Angel City vs Portland Thorns

PTFC for Peace Draft Open Thread

Thorns Availability Report

Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson tested positive for COVID and isn’t with the team for tonight’s game at Angel City FC, per a team source. Mike Norris will be interim HC.

Players in COVID protocols & out:
-Sam Coffey
-Meaghan Nally
-Sophia Smith
-Taylor Porter
-Hina Sugita#BAONPDX
— Ryan Clarke (@RyanTClarke) April 24, 2022

Angel City Availability Report

Angel City injury report #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/RkhiA02OYQ
— Melina Melinae (@melinae07) April 24, 2022

Lineups

Portland Thorns FC

Today's Starting XI at Angel City FC. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/atPAML5OmA
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 25, 2022

Angel City FC

The #AngelCityFC Starting XI vs. @ThornsFC #NWSLChallengeCup | #LAvPOR | #Volemos pic.twitter.com/JeC7EEwTsO
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) April 25, 2022

Match Recap & Highlights: Portland Thorns 3-2 San Diego Wave

2022-04-17T18:01:09-07:00

Thorns FC/Craig Mitchelldyer

Hina Sugita led the Thorns to a dominant first half which would be enough to ensure the three points stayed in Portland.

Sophia Smith and Hina Sugita’s first-half goals were enough to give the Portland Thorns a 3-2 win despite a second-half comeback from San Diego Wave FC.

The Thorns utterly dominated San Diego in the first half. Sophia Smith opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Hina Sugita scored her first NWSL goal in the 21st minute to make it 2-0.

The Wave struggled to get anything going offensively and both Smith and Morgan Weaver haunted the San Diego defense, creating consistent danger. Hina Sugita capitalized again after another Thorns’ spell of pressure orchestrated by Smith and Sinclair. The Thorns went into the half up 3-0.

San Diego were much better to start the second half. They immediately got a goal back through Isabella Briede. Alex Morgan and substitute Kelsey Turnbow combined well and Portland struggled to adjust defensively.

Turnbow assisted fellow substitute Taylor Kornieck from a corner kick to make it 3-2. The Wave continued to pile on the pressure in the second half and Portland struggled to maintain possession.

Portland were able to prevent San Diego’s attempt at a three-goal comeback and the match ended 3-2.

4’ Sophia Smith opened the scoring early in Providence Park much as she did in San Diego. Morgan Weaver drove toward the 18-yard box and sprayed it wide to Smith. She faced up to her defender and got it on her left foot. Smith then fired the ball across goal and into the side-netting giving the Thorns a one-goal lead.

I think ya'll need to see this @ESPN #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/I6oCW4LKqs
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 17, 2022

10’ Smith picked the ball up on the right and sprinted at the defense before launching a shot toward the top corner of the goal. Carly Telford reacted well and made a crucial diving save to deny Smith.

10' - Sophia Smith with another dangerous chance at goal, but saved by San Diego. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/ScXIXIvkrc
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 17, 2022

16’ After a recycled corner, Meaghan Nally curled a ball toward the far post. Smith arrived and poked a one-touch shot wide of goal.
21’ Weaver’s play on the right led to another great chance and eventually a goal. Weaver nutmegged Teagan McGrady before finding Christine Sinclair. The Canadian lofted a shot off the crossbar and Hina Sugita was first to it. Sugita propelled herself at the ball and put her diving header into the back of the net, scoring her first NWSL goal.

Hina Sugita scores her first NWSL goal to put us up by 2. Congrats Hina!!! #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/T1ZPZxTp43
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 17, 2022

41’ Smith fired a shot at goal which was saved to Sinclair. The Canadian struck but it was blocked back to her. She chipped a pass forward which was headed by a Wave defender to Sugita, who put the Thorns 3-0 to the good.

Third times the charm. Hina Sugita gets herself a brace. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/mLy6GOHNwV
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 17, 2022

45+1’ Christen Westphal chipped a ball to Bella Bixby’s back post. Bixby made the save while falling back and the defense cleared the danger.
45’ Madison Pogarch came on for Nally to start the second half.
46’ San Diego got the half started quickly. Substitute Kelsey Turnbow played a great ball into the box for Alex Morgan. Morgan’s shot was saved but she recovered and played it to the on-rushing Isabella Briede, who made it 3-1.

Another first #NWSL goal alert! ⚽

Belle Briede finds the back of the net to start the second half with a goal!@sandiegowavefc | #WaveFC pic.twitter.com/9WpdOEEFiM
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 18, 2022

47’ Smith tried to reestablish the three-goal lead immediately. She took on Westphal and fired a shot at goal that was saved wide.
49’ Smith went at Westphal again and was brought down. The referee waved play on.
55’ Sofia Jakobsson crossed to the back post and found Morgan. She headed it back across goal and wide.
56’ Turnbow’s corner kick was punched by Bixby to Morgan, who hit a shot off the post and Emily Menges had to clear the danger.
63’ Olivia Moultrie and Yazmeen Ryan replaced Rocky Rodriguez and Smith.
67’ Substitute Talor Kornieck came on a scored with her first touch. Turnbow swung in a corner kick and Kornieck rose up and thumped her header into the back of the net.

TAYLOR KORNIECK

The Wave are back in it pic.twitter.com/qGVEiokkut
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 18, 2022

The Wave continued to push forward and the Thorns struggled to find outlets going forward.
87’ Bixby made a good save on an Alex Morgan volley.
90+3 Natalie Beckman replaced Morgan Weaver.
Portland were able to withstand San Diego’s final push and made sure that San Diego did not complete the three-goal comeback.

The Thorns close out the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup group play away at Angel City FC. The match is scheduled for Sunday, April 24 at 6 p.m. Pacific.

NWSL Challenge Cup Match Thread: Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave

2022-04-17T15:10:19-07:00

Photo by Jenny Chuang/ISI Photos/Getty Images

The Thorns welcome Wave FC to Providence Park for the first time.

Portland Thorns FC today host San Diego Wave FC at Providence Park. Kick off is slated for 4:00 p.m. Pacific and the match will be broadcast on Paramount+.

This is the second meeting between the two sides. Sophia Smith provided the difference in the Thorns’ 1-0 win in the first meeting.

Portland currently sit in second place in the West Group with seven points, three behind rivals OL Reign. Wave FC sit in third place with four points.

The Thorns need to return to winning ways tonight if they are to eventually secure passage to the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals.

Location: Providence Park | Portland, OR

Time: 4:00PM PST

Watch: Paramount+

Pregame Reading

Match Preview: Portland Thorns vs San Diego Wave

Timbers & Thorns announce PTFC for Peace mixed teams charity match to benefit Ukraine

Sophia Smith: Finding balance while striving to be the best

Lineups

Portland Thorns FC

Today's Starting XI against @sandiegowavefc. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/2ZSvu7Zpsh
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 17, 2022

San Diego Wave FC

The Starting XI and Game Changers, presented by @Gatorade #WaveFC #NWSL #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/DOELl4f60y
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 17, 2022

Sophia Smith: Finding balance while striving to be the best

2022-04-11T12:00:00-07:00

Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Sophia Smith on her contract extension with Thorns FC, the new generation of the USWNT, and how she finds balance while striving to be the best.

Sophia Smith strives to be one of the best players in the world. The forward plays for one of the most recognizable women’s clubs, Portland Thorns FC, and has recently become a regular for the reigning World Cup champion United States Women’s National Team.

Smith scored her second, third and fourth international goals on Saturday, April 9, in a friendly against Uzbekistan, notching her first professional hat-trick. The forward has been flagged as one of the many promising players leading the USWNT’s generational transition.

“I’m really excited, I think it’s definitely going to be a challenge just because a lot of us are so young and don’t have that experience that a lot of other players have,” Smith said. “So I think it’s a matter of getting that experience and the only way to do that is in-game, so I think it’s great that we’re getting these opportunities.”

“Then I just think it’s like a fresh energy,” she continued. “I feel like we all come into camp and are excited and are ready to get to work and build these new relationships and strengthen the ones that may already be there from other experiences. So I’m excited about it. I think this is an awesome group with so much potential. It’s hard to even put into words. I watch people in training and I get excited watching. I think we could do really, really, really cool things and it’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together.”

The new generation of players did “really cool things” in their most recent match in Columbus, Ohio. Smith led the way, becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick for the USWNT since 2000. Ashley Sanchez and Jaelin Howell scored their first international goals, Catarina Macario continued her good form by adding one of her own, and Mallory Pugh provided a goal and two assists.

Colorado Crew showed out in Columbus ☺️ ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/wV1vr73UGD
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) April 10, 2022

Smith has already become one of the most impactful players for her club, Thorns FC, in just her third season as a professional. She was selected by Portland with the first overall pick of the 2020 NWSL College Draft and the club was excited to quickly integrate her into the team.

However, Smith’s first season in the National Women’s Soccer League was atypical. In 2020, the NWSL became the first professional team sports league in the U.S. to return to action during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Smith missed out on the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup due to an injury but made headlines in the Fall Series, making her debut against the Utah Royals and promptly scoring moments later.

She played her first full season with the Thorns in 2021, winning the NWSL Challenge Cup, the Women’s International Champions Cup and the NWSL Shield. Smith led the team in scoring with seven goals and registered one assist. The skillful attacker demonstrated that she was not only the future of the team but the present as well and was thus rewarded with a three-year contract extension at the beginning of the 2022 season to ensure that her talents stayed with Thorns FC. The club was happy to re-sign Smith and she was thrilled to be staying in Portland.

“I think it’s a combination of everything,” Smith said about the appeal of Portland. “I think the investment in the game, and specifically the women’s game in Portland, I think is huge. And I feel like I’m surrounded by like-minded players and people who just want to push themselves and continue to get better each and every day. So I think it’s the team, it’s the staff, it’s the fans, it’s the facilities, it’s a combination of everything.”

In the Thorns’ announcement of Smith’s contract extension, general manager Karina LeBlanc voiced the importance of ensuring the young forward will be in Portland for the foreseeable future.

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images

“It’s an honor and a privilege that that’s how they view me and, and they want to have me in Portland long-term,” Smith said. “Obviously, it was a lot of back and forth kind of figuring things out but I’m just so glad and happy that it worked out and that I could sign with Portland for three more years.”

“I know, sometimes three years seems like a lot,” Smith continued. “Sometimes it seems like it’ll go by really quick. But I’m just super fortunate and I just want to give back and do everything that I can to help this team and the club reach new heights.”

In the same press release, Thorns head coach Rhian Wilkinson emphasized that Smith would score many more goals for Portland and spoke about how she has taken a bigger leadership role on the pitch and in the locker room.

Smith described her leadership style as a combination of leading by example and being vocal. She typically lets her actions do the talking but will take on more responsibility and pull teammates aside if she feels something needs to be addressed. Smith mentioned that as she gets older and gains more experience she will take a more vocal leadership role.

“I’ve been in Portland for three years now so… I mean obviously I’m not a veteran, but I’ve been there [and] I kind of know how things work,” Smith said. “And I feel like I can kind of use that and help that guide me into more of a leadership role even though I am still the second youngest one on the team.”

“I feel like we all have a lot to learn from each other,” she continued. “I have a lot to learn from everyone. And I feel like I can offer a lot. So I think [I’ve taken] on a leadership role a little bit more this season, but at the same time, I think our whole team is just very, very good at helping each other and kind of leading as a group.”

The Portland Thorns and its leadership demonstrated Smith’s importance to the club with the new contract but they didn’t stop there. She was also selected as one of the two players who debuted the Thorns’ new kits for the 2022 season, positioning Smith as one of the most visible representatives of the team.

Smith’s talent and personality are some of the reasons she has become one of the faces of Thorns FC. It helps that she also enjoys modeling new kits and media day.

For the Rose City. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/fVKVWOy1Es
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) March 17, 2022

“I mean, it’s awesome,” said Smith. “Anytime I can do anything like that, it’s super exciting and an honor to do that, because it’s representing the club. And those are big shoes to fill but I am confident that I can do that. And I mean, I will just always try to represent the club in the best way possible while at the same time being myself and bringing to the table what I feel are my best qualities. So it’s been great.”

“I actually do enjoy [the photo shoots]. I mean, I guess it depends on when they are, like if it’s after a long training, it’s not my favorite thing to do,” Smith joked. “But I’m always up for a photo shoot.”

The long-term contract extension, leadership roles and photo shoots are all part of being one of the best, and it seems as though Smith has taken to all of these just as well as she has to the professional game. But another part of being the best is finding a healthy balance of constantly challenging oneself to get better while also having fun.

“It’s a really hard balance and something that I have always [worked on], and I’m still trying to figure out to this day – how to balance it in a healthy way,” Smith said. “I always want to push myself and to strive for more and to never be satisfied. And I think that’s great and I think that’s what all the best players in the world have to do. That’s the mindset that they have to have.”

“And then at the same time, I think if I am forgetting to have fun, I’m not going to be playing at my best,” she continued. “I’ll be putting too much stress and pressure on myself to the point where it’s showing on the field. And that’s absolutely not what I want.”

When Smith is having fun on the pitch it’s not hard to tell. She typically wears a bright smile but will then take on defenders with outrageous skill, often sending them the wrong way or to the floor as she cuts inside and slots the ball into the back of the net, much like she did against Angel City FC. And then, she celebrates – Smith raises her arms to the sky and out comes the big smile, before she hugs her teammates.

Sophia Smith is THAT GIRL. And will always be THAT GIRL. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/AC4R7UgkkV
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) March 31, 2022

“I want to look free and like I’m having fun because that’s when I play my best,” said Smith. “So I think [I’m] just constantly reminding myself that, yeah, I have this goal, and in order to reach this goal, I have to be having fun, because this is a crazy life. It’s basically soccer day in and day out so I have to love it. Otherwise, it can be pretty draining… [I’m] just constantly reminding myself and not putting too much pressure on myself and just trusting the process.”

Smith emphasized the importance of finding ways to take her mind off soccer when she is not playing or training. The young star places a lot of emphasis on positivity, patience and mindset because it is not healthy to let soccer dictate one’s well-being.

“I think [mindset] is so important because, like I said, soccer is basically what I’m doing every single day of my life if it’s not an off day. But even on an off day, it’s ‘how can I recover so that the next day I’m ready to go,’” said Smith. “I think the importance of finding things that make you feel good outside of the game is so, so important because [you need] to have something to fall back on, especially during the hard times when things aren’t seeming to go your way.”

Smith has found a reprieve from soccer through skin care and meditation, which help take her mind off soccer. Smith’s brain is “constantly going 100 mph when it comes to playing soccer” and the priority she places on self-care helps her relax mentally.

“In terms of self-care, skin care, like all of that stuff, I’ve always always been into it. I’m a pretty girly girl so I’ve always liked all of that stuff and been into it,” Smith laughed. “As far as meditation goes, it’s definitely something new [for me]. I picked it up more when I started playing professionally. I didn’t do it a lot in college, just because I didn’t know a lot about it then and I honestly didn’t really have the time to do it.”

“But since I became a pro I have had a little bit of downtime for myself. It’s something that I’ve learned that helps me so much to take my brain away from soccer, and also anything stressful that might be happening in my life,” Smith explained. “And I think the more I can do that, the better I get at it, and being able to kind of control my mind has been a huge, huge help.”

Smith recognizes the importance of both mental and physical well-being to the success of a professional athlete. She has continued to emphasize the importance of mental health and that athletes are people too, which fans can often forget. She has used her platform to advocate for awareness concerning mental health and addressed fans via Twitter after the Thorns’ opening game in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup in which the team drew 1-1 against rivals OL Reign.

often times not as strong as we may make it seem on the field. the things you yell at us during the game, we hear it. The things you comment on social media, we see it. We are strong, but we are people just like you, and sometimes I think people forget that.
— Sophia Smith (@sophsssmith) March 19, 2022

“It can definitely be forgotten about… For fans, when they come to a game, it’s entertainment for them,” Smith said. “They’re coming to watch us entertain them. But we are human beings just like them. And I think sometimes that can be forgotten.”

“I think a lot of the stigma around athletes is that we’re supposed to be tough, we’re supposed to be able to handle anything,” Smith continued. “And we are, but at the same time, there is a line. And I think that line can be crossed a lot of times with that relationship between fans and players. So that was kind of just like a friendly reminder because I think people forget, and mental health obviously is something that I hold close to my heart, especially recently. So [I was] just kind of bringing that back to light because I do think it’s oftentimes forgotten about.”

Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Smith has been on fire to start the 2022 season. She has two goals in four matches for the Thorns and played a crucial role in the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup title while also notching a hat-trick in the U.S.‘s friendly against Uzbekistan. Smith has already reached incredible heights on the pitch. But she will continue to challenge herself to be the best in the game she loves because of the freedom she feels while playing and because she enjoys constantly striving to improve.

“I’ve played soccer basically my whole life and I have never not loved it,” Smith said. “I think the biggest thing, or the biggest reason, why I love it so much is the freedom that I feel like I have on the field to kind of just be myself and bring my creative side. And also, at the same time, the freedom to try new things and to always develop and get better. I just like the idea that you’re never there, you’ve never reached it. I love the grind.”

NWSL Challenge Cup Match Thread: Portland Thorns vs. OL Reign

2022-04-02T18:12:27-07:00

Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/Getty Images

The Thorns host rivals OL Reign in their fourth match of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

Portland Thorns FC today host rivals OL Reign. Kick off in Providence Park is slated for 7 p.m. EST. The Thorns sit at the top of the NWSL Challenge Cup West Group with seven points through three matches. OL Reign have played one less game and have four points.

In the teams’ first meeting in the 2022 Challenge Cup, the Thorns and Reign drew 1-1 at Lumen Field. Both the Thorns and Reign most recently defeated Angel City FC. The Reign defeated the LA side 3-1 and the Thorns defeated Angel City 3-0.

With a win at home against their rivals, the Thorns would take a huge step toward winning the West Group and securing passage to the semifinals of the 2022 Challenge Cup.

Location: Providence Park | Portland, OR

Time: 7:00PM PST

Watch: Paramount+

Pregame Reading

Thorns FC sign Janine Beckie to three-year contract

Report — Canadian forward Janine Beckie to join Thorns FC

Match Recap & Highlights: Portland Thorns 3-0 Angel City FC

Lineups

Portland Thorns FC

Tonight's Starting XI vs @OLReign. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/Oy19mtXmyG
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 3, 2022

OL Reign

Your Starting XI | @ThornsFC

Let's GOOO!#BoldTogether #PORvRGN #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/JdvpRglZVq
— OL Reign (@OLReign) April 3, 2022

Report — Canadian forward Janine Beckie to join Thorns FC

2022-03-31T16:58:49-07:00

Photo by Charlotte Tattersall - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

The Athletic reports Janine Beckie will return to the NWSL, joining Thorns FC.

Meg Linehan of The Athletic today reported that Canadian Striker Janine Beckie is set to return to the National Women’s Soccer League, joining Portland Thorns FC. Beckie, 27, has been playing in the WSL with Manchester City since August 2018. Linehan reported that one of her sources characterized the contract as a “long-term deal.” An official announcement from the club is expected as soon as this week.

Beckie previously played two seasons with the Houston Dash before being traded to Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham FC) ahead of the 2018 NWSL season. The Canadian forward has scored five goals in 53 NWSL appearances and six goals in 49 WSL appearances.

With the Canada Women’s National Team, Beckie has won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics and most recently a gold medal in Tokyo. She has made 35 appearances (31 starts) for Canada and has contributed eight goals and seven assists.

Linehan’s full report for The Athletic can be accessed here.

Match Recap & Highlights: Portland Thorns 3-0 Angel City FC

2022-03-30T20:56:16-07:00

via Thorns FC

Smith, Ryan and Weaver provide the goals in the Thorns’ 3-0 win over Angel City FC.

Sophia Smith, Yazmeen Ryan and Morgan Weaver scored as the Portland Thorns defeated Angel City FC 3-0 in Providence Park. Rocky Rodriguez returned to the Thorns’ starting XI and Taylor Porter and Natalie Beckman were each given their first NWSL starts. Gabby Provenzano made her professional and Thorns debut as a late-game substitute.

Angel City set the pace of the game and dictated the tempo. The Thorns looked to win the ball back and counter quickly through Natalia Kuikka, Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver. Despite Angel City’s possession statistics, they were unable to test Bella Bixby.

Rocky Rodriguez tested DiDi Haracic in the 30th minute after a nice team move. One minute later, Sophia Smith scored the only goal of the half after slicing and dicing her way through the Angel City defense.

The Thorns doubled the lead via Yazmeen Ryan’s first professional goal. Natalia Kuikka forced DiDi Haracic into a save. Ryan was there to capitalize on the rebound, giving Portland a 2-0 lead.

Angel City struggled to replicate the success they had in the first half. Portland seemed to improve with each goal and the LA side looked rattled. Morgan Weaver made it 3-0 with an absolute rocket in the 78th minute and the game would finish with that scoreline.

5’ Jun Endo cut inside and passed to Christen Press inside the penalty area. She unleashed a shot that rose over the bar.
10’ Morgan Weaver played a ball behind the defense to the on-rushing Sophia Smith, who looked to be through on goal. But the assistant referee’s flag was up, signaling that Smith was offside.
Angel City dominated possession and the pace of play. The LA side looked to win the ball back quickly and the Thorns struggled to get a foothold in the game.
30’ Yazmeen Ryan made a good run behind the defense and Kelli Hubly found her. Ryan drove end line and played a cut back to Rocky Rodriguez, who struck toward goal. DiDi Haracic made the save and Rodriguez’s follow-up header looped over the bar.
31’ Sophia Smith changed all of that in the 31st minute. The forward bodied one defender before cutting past another, Smith then curled the ball into the corner of the goal, giving the Thorns the lead.

Incase you forgot, @sophsssmith is on fire @ThornsFC | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/7ClK2wrOIf
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

Angel City continued to have most of the ball but the Thorns were sparked to life by Smith’s goal.
The Thorns put together some better spells of possession at the end of the half which was capped off by a long shot from Taylor Porter which was caught by Angel City’s Haracic.
46’ Rocky Rodriguez was replaced by Hina Sugita.
49’ Smith went on an incredible run through the center of the pitch before finding Weaver wide to her right. Weaver struck the ball and it flashed over the bar.
53’ Beckman delivered a corner that found its way to Kuikka at the top of the box. Kuikka cut inside and let lose a low shot. Haracic spilled it and Ryan was there to poke it home as the Thorns took a 2-0 lead.

First pro goal, know what Yazmeen @yazmeenryan | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/Ak7LLGPOKJ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

66’ Marissa Everett came on for Sophia Smith.
68’ Press went on a long run that started in her own half which resulted in the forward firing a shot at Bixby, who caught the shot.
72’ Madison Pogarch replaced Kuikka, who received a loud round of applause as she exited the pitch.
78’ Morgan Weaver got the ball on her right foot at the top of the 18-yard box and hammered a shot past Haracic and into the back of the net.

Weaving and firing @morganweaver_ | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/CkYPh6G00J
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

84’ Gabby Provenzano and Hannah Betfort came on for Morgan Weaver and Kelli Hubly. Provenzano made her Portland Thorns debut.
The Thorns dominated the second half after a shaky first half but ensure the clean sheet for the second consecutive match.

Portland return to action on Saturday, April 2, when they welcome rivals OL Reign to Providence Park. Kick off is slated for 7 p.m. (Pacific).