Evelyne Viens, Canada, NJ/NY Gotham FC
Evelyne Viens, center (Photo by Kaitlin Marold - JSN)

Portland Thorns escape against NJ/NY Gotham FC

For the fourth time this year, the Portland Thorns and Gotham FC met on the pitch and once again produced a candidate for NWSL match of the year.

Debuting a new diamond formation, Gotham FC was more than up to the task to take down the defending Challenge Cup Champions. However, Portland would be the first to find the back of the net in the match when Sophia Smith would capitalize on a defensive miscommunication and slot the ball just out of reach of Gotham FC keeper Kailen Sheridan in the 29th minute. They would find the net again just before halftime when Christine Sinclair would take a penalty kick that was brought about by an Estelle Johnson takedown on Smith inside the box. Sheridan would get a fingertip on it, but it would not be enough as the Portland captain would make 2-0 heading into halftime.

Coming out of the locker room after the half, Gotham FC would change formations once again in an attempt to open up the field. This would prove to be a crucial decision as Gotham FC would find the back of the net in the 78th minute as Caprice Dydasco would find an open Carli Lloyd who would head the ball into the goal to make it 2-1. Unfortunately, Gotham FC would not be able to find the equalizer and would fall in their second straight match on the road.

Gotham FC returns home Sunday, August 29th to face the Orlando Pride for what will be Coach Freya Coombe's last match as head coach before departing for Angel City Football Club. That match will take place at Red Bull Arena at 5:30pm ET and will be broadcast on Paramount+.