Thorns out of Challenge Cup, Fall to Houston in Semifinals 1-0

Photo by: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Portland Thorns FC knocked out the two-time defending National Women’s Soccer League champs last week, but now their Challenge Cup run is over. Houston’s goal in the 69th minute sends Portland home.

Before the game, Meghan Klingenberg gave a rousing pre-game speech.

*goosebumps*@meghankling brings the fire, every time. 🔥 #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/HtuUz7hIfb

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) July 22, 2020

Sadly, the flames from Klingenberg didn’t translate to a goal in the opening 45 minutes. The teams were tied 0-0 at the break.

Thorns keeper Britt Ellen Eckerstrom continued her impressive play.

.Breck28 will have none of this. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/USnkfQGls9

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) July 22, 2020

But a header off the cross bar made a save impossible after the ball found Rachel Daly.

Leading by example 💪

Captain @RachelDaly3 puts @HoustonDash in the lead!

1-0 | #HOUvPOR

Tune in now on @CBSAllAccess and @Twitch.#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/NgYQW7i5Ne

— NWSL (@NWSL) July 22, 2020

Both Houston and Portland were relatively even in the box score. Houston led in shots (12-10), shots on goal (4-3) and corners (5-3), while the two squads were even in shots blocked (3).

The Thorns led the way in both possession (61.8 percent) and passing accuracy (71.6% to 51.9%).

Owner Merritt Paulson was more than pleased with the team’s grit especially after the injuries and absences.

Felt like we had one hand tied behind our back all tourney with the injuries and absences. But the team believed. In the end we were running on fumes.

Cant wait to see this group with a healthy Horan, Smith, Becky etc.

Get some rest @ThornsFC and travel safe home!!! #baonpdx

— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) July 22, 2020