The Portland Thorns, represented by Natalia Kuika, lost to Gotham in the semi-finals of the NWSL league. Megan Rapinoe’s career culminates in the final.
Natalia Kuikan represented by the Portland Thorns bowed out in the semifinal match against Gotham. Gotham defeated the reigning US champion in the follow-up match with 1–0 goals.
The deciding goal in the follow-up match was fantastic. Liverpool loanee Katherine Stengel spectacularly shot into the upper left corner from outside the penalty area.
– I have practiced this kind of goal for many, many years. I finally manage to do it at such an important moment. I was very happy that I was in the right place at the right time, Stengel rejoiced.
Kuikka, who is part of Portland’s regular lineup, was substituted on the field in the 60th minute of the match. The defender, who was part of last season’s championship team, therefore played for an hour.
Heavy rain brought its own spice to the match, which made the match, which stretched into the follow-up match, particularly tough. The beginning of the game was nervous for Thorns, but Gotham, on the other hand, couldn’t achieve much in the last third.
In the second half, after an hour of play, Portland took Natalia Kuika on the field as a substitute. The Finnish defender brought together Hina Sugita with a new gear to Portland’s game, but the team was unable to take the lead.
– This was as tight a match as we thought it would be. I’m really proud of our performance. I’m obviously disappointed that our journey ended here, Thorns head coach Mike Norris said According to Oregon Live.
Stengel, who finally arrived on the field from the substitution, scored the decisive hit in a wonderful way and silenced the sold-out stadium. A total of 25,218 spectators watched the match.
Rapinoe’s career culminates in the final
Superstar Megan Rapinoe on the other hand, gets the chance to crown his career in the NWSL finals. The Reign, represented by Rapinoe, defeated the San Diego Wave in the semifinal with 1–0 goals.
Reign’s Veronica Latsko’s goal in the 47th minute of the match was finally enough to win. Thus, Rapinoe’s career will continue for one more match.