The Portland Thorns FC claimed the 2022 NWSL Championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over Kansas City Current at Audi Field, capping off a remarkable season led by MVP Sophia Smith’s brilliant performance.
Smith Sets the Tone Early
The match began with immediate intensity as Portland won the opening kickoff. Within the first minute, the Thorns drew a free kick 22 yards from goal, though Ryan’s attempt was blocked by the KC wall.
Portland’s breakthrough came just five minutes into the match through their young superstar. Sophia Smith received a perfectly weighted through ball from 40 yards out, took it in stride toward goal, cut outside around Current goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, and buried a laser shot into the middle of the net to give the Thorns a 1-0 lead.
Smith continued to torment the Current defense throughout the first half. In the 14th minute, she broke through two defenders on the left side and fired a missile toward the far post that sailed just high and wide. The 2022 MVP’s relentless pressure kept Kansas City on their heels for most of the opening period.
“You never know with her, she can make a run at you, then pass it off, take a shot, you just never know, and that is what makes her an overall threat on the pitch,” said Portland Thorns GM Karina LeBlanc. “What makes her special is her mentality; every day she wants to be better, and she is so humble about it. She is always about her teammates; she is always thanking them for making her better.”
Current Creates Late First Half Chances
Despite Portland’s dominance, Kansas City found its footing late in the first half. The Current created their best opportunity when LaBonta delivered a well-placed cross to Del Fava, but her header from just a yard out sailed over the crossbar.
Franch made a crucial save in the 39th minute on Weaver, who had snuck past Ryan and fired a hard shot toward the near post. The Current continued to press, with Mace intercepting a pass and getting around Smith before firing a shot from 12 yards that was blocked for a corner kick as the first half ended.
Second Half Seals the Victory
Kansas City came out aggressively to start the second half, but Smith nearly extended Portland’s lead immediately. In the 46th minute, she went in on goal, but Franch made the save from 13 yards out.
The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when Ryan made a run down the right side and crossed toward Smith. Smith’s flick deflected off Franch, who couldn’t handle the shot and knocked it into her own goal, giving Portland a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Smith continued to create chances, firing a rocket from 18 yards that forced Franch to leap and tip the ball over the crossbar for a corner kick. The Current goalkeeper made several spectacular saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Emotional Substitutions and Final Moments
The match featured several emotional moments, including a standing ovation when Crystal Dunn entered for Christine Sinclair in the 73rd minute. Smith briefly left the field with cramping in the 69th minute but was able to continue.
Portland made their final substitution in stoppage time, bringing on Olivia Lynn Moultrie for Yazmeen Ryan before the referee blew the final whistle to confirm the Thorns as 2022 NWSL Champions.
Post-Match Reflections
Despite the loss, Kansas City Current completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history, going from last place the previous season to the NWSL Finals. The team’s journey under owners Chris and Angie Long has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“Tonight just was not the Current’s night out there, but honestly, they still have so much to be proud of this season,” reflected the match coverage. “They did what no one expected of them – they went from last place last season to the NWSL Finals.”
Chris Long spoke about the club’s plans, including their groundbreaking new arena and training facilities expected to be completed by the end of 2023 – the first women’s women-specific soccer arena, representing a major step forward for women’s soccer.
USWNT Manager Weighs In
Following the match, USWNT Manager Vlatko Andonovski provided insights on several key topics:
On the World Cup roster: “The roster was already submitted before tonight’s match and will be released tomorrow by the federation. He did see things he liked on the field from some players, but he did not rule out future roster moves and player roles after tonight’s game.”
On upcoming matches against Germany: “Germany has one of the best teams in the world, they are always going to be organized and disciplined, and they will present challenges for us, but we will have to overcome them. The main focus is going to be synchronizing the lines, getting certain players on the pitch together.”
On Sophia Smith’s performance: “Sophia is once again showing us the potential she has, the talent that she possesses, and she is turning into a really talented player. So, I am happy for her to win all these awards, twice MVP (regular season and 2022 playoff), and a club champion. It is a beautiful testament to how good she is.”
(The interview had to pause for a few minutes because Sophia Smith snuck up on us. She asked the coach if he could come to meet her family since they had not met him yet. He acknowledged and told her he was just finishing the interview, that she could close her ears because the question was about her. In typical Sophia fashion, she stuck her fingers in her ears, spun, struck a pose, and ate up the moment in only a way Soph can.)
Championship Legacy
The 2022 NWSL Championship showcased the league’s continued growth and the emergence of generational talents like Sophia Smith. Portland’s victory, combined with the remarkable journey of Kansas City Current, demonstrated the competitive balance and compelling storylines that make the NWSL must-watch soccer.
Commissioner Jessica Berman and her team delivered an outstanding championship experience, from the Washington Spirit supporters’ events to the fan fest and post-game celebrations, setting the stage for continued growth in future seasons.
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