Jul 5, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan (13) dribbles against Portland Thorns FC midfielder Jessie Fleming (21) during the first half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports Izzy D’Aquila scored in the 85th minute as the host Portland Thorns beat the San Diego Wave 1-0 on Friday night.
Each team was playing in its final match before the NWSL’s Olympic break.
The Thorns (8-5-3, 27 points) were the better of the two sides throughout the night, but they couldn’t take advantage of a sizable advantage in shots and expected goals until the final 10 minutes.
Portland had gone winless in its past three matches since a 1-0 victory over the North Carolina Courage on June 8.
After a flurry of chances throughout the second half, the Thorns finally broke through. Janine Beckie dribbled the ball down the right side of the penalty area and rolled a cross to D’Aquila, who had a tap-in for her second goal of the season.
Portland goalkeeper Shelby Hogan made two saves for the clean sheet. San Diego goalie Kailen Sheridan stopped seven shots.
The Wave (3-7-6, 15 points) saw their winless streak reach nine matches (0-4-5). San Diego fell to 0-5-4 on the road this season.
The one bright spot for San Diego this season has been its defense. The Wave have allowed just 17 goals through their first 16 matches, which ranks fourth in the NWSL.
The defeat caps a rough week for the Wave on and off the field. Team president Jill Ellis was accused by multiple team employees of fostering an unhealthy work environment, allegations she denied.
–Field Level Media
