“It’s always wonderful to see crowds like this out at Providence Park to support the Thorns and to support women’s soccer generally”, Chris Rifer, contributing editor with Portland soccer blog Stumptown Footy, told All Things Considered Host Kate Davidson.
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The fans were treated to several one-on-one battles between the Thorns’ Tobin Heath and Seattle’s Megan Rapinoe, and both members of the United States’ World Cup championship team were appreciative of the huge turnout. However, it was to be the visiting Portland who came out on top thanks to a lone goal from prolific Scotland striker Kim Little. The Thorns visit Seattle on Sunday for a 4 p.m. rematch, then must travel to Western New York for a game next Wednesday. Portland also held the previous NWSL record of 19,123, set August 3, 2014.
There have also been strong crowds in various league across the globe since Canada 2015 concluded earlier this month, notably in Japan and England. Midfielder Tobin Heath put in a cross from the left side that Christine Sinclair rose and met strongly, but Seattle goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer was able to palm the header over the bar. Wednesday, 21,144 fans will pack Providence Park to welcome their hometown team and World Cup heroes. She said the clubs and players must educate fans who got behind the national team about the NWSL. Thorns fans are hoping that trend continues in what is sure to be an intense rivalry match in the most anticipated non-international U.S. women’s soccer game in recent memory. In addition, a total of nine players for Portland who competed at the 2015 Federation Internationale de Football Association Women’s World Cup were recognized prior to the match.
“She was kind of my inspiration to just keep going and even though beauty, after losing my hair and everything, beauty comes from the inside and playing on the field was great”, said Hailey Castle.
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Solo was also sitting out because of a knee injury that the Reign said she sustained during the World Cup.
