Thorns winless in Challenge Cup after 0-0 draw with Reign

By: The Associated Press Posted: 2:18 PM CDT Monday, Jul. 13, 2020 Last Modified: 4:29 PM CDT Monday, Jul. 13, 2020

HERRIMAN, Utah - The Portland Thorns will face top-seeded North Carolina in the quarterfinals of the National Women's Soccer League's Challenge Cup after wrapping up the group stage with a scoreless draw with the rival OL Reign on Monday.

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This article was published 13/07/2020 (2237 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HERRIMAN, Utah – The Portland Thorns will face top-seeded North Carolina in the quarterfinals of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup after wrapping up the group stage with a scoreless draw with the rival OL Reign on Monday.

The Thorns were winless in the opening round to finish last among the eight teams playing in the tournament, which was wrapping up group stage matches Monday.

Sofia Huerta, acquired by the Reign in the off-season, made her first start and had one of the team’s best chances late in the first half. Taylor Smith was open in the 61st minute but her shot went wide.

OL Reign forward Sofia Huerta (20) controls the ball as Portland Thorns midfielder Celeste Boureille (30) defends during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Portland controlled possession for most of the first half but Reign goalkeeper Michelle Betos saved attempts from both Christine Sinclair and rookie Morgan Weaver. Raquel Rodriguez got a long-range shot from the top of the box in the final minute of regulation but Betos scooped it up.

The Reign saw the return of Jessica Fishlock, who hadn’t played since last season because of an ACL injury. She came in as a sub in the 72nd minute.

Lindsey Horan did not play for the Thorns after scoring in the team’s last game, a 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit.

All eight teams in the tournament advance to the knockout round. The league’s ninth team, the Orlando Pride, was forced to withdraw because of positive COVID-19 tests.