Who Won the Fiery Game Tonight Between the Thorns and the Wave at Providence Park?
Tonight's game at Providence Park, featuring the Portland Thorns FC and San Diego Wave FC, was theatrical. The first half began with the San Diego Wave dominating overall possession with a reported 60%. Though their desire for a goal was without a doubt, evident, San Diego failed to place the ball in the back of the net. Their speed of play and continuous possession were, without a doubt, some of their strongest demonstrated this season, but Portland reciprocated their offensive drive with a strong defensive response. A San Diego player was never seen without a Portland jersey, following right behind, allowing Portland to quickly shut down the Wave’s plays or make it increasingly difficult for them.
After halftime, the game rapidly changed when San Diego’s Savannah McCaskill scored a goal right outside the penalty box, threading the ball right past nine other players before it reached the back of the net. She was the only player within the goals range that did not have a defender near her to shut down this play, which quickly proved to everyone why the Thorns were trying to avoid giving San Diego players tonight any space, leaving an opportunity for a goal. This marked another record for the Wave tonight, as they remain undefeated, being the first team to score against their opponent first in every game this season. However, this lit a fire under Portland, who were eager to get a goal back. The game quickly evolved into a high-intensity battle filled with aggression and intensity.
A total of 14 fouls were created by the Wave, and five of those fouls became yellow cards. Portland refused to give San Diego any space, leading to continuous pushing and physical contact on the field. The Wave’s forward, Adriana Leon, was especially aggressive tonight as she attempted to either create assisting plays or create opportunities for a goal herself. At the 86-minute marker, the Portland Thorns scored a goal off a free kick. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie was set up to take the kick, but as it hit the crossbar, defender Reyna Reyes ran in and finished the shot. The Thorns were able to gain their goal back, but Reyes proved, yet again, why it is so important for players to continue their runs into the penalty box until the play is finished. Like McCaskill, Reyes was left unmarked and free, open to take an opportunity for Portland.
The game finished with a 1-1 draw, and though Portland did not lose at home tonight, they, like the Wave, had many missed opportunities. Both teams played with outstanding power, passion, and intensity, derived from their competitive spirit and hopes to end the match victoriously. Currently, the Portland Thorns are ranked third in the NWSL 2025 season, with the San Diego Wave following behind in fourth. Because of that, it’s no surprise that tonight’s match was filled with so much competitiveness as they both battled each other every single minute. Though this may not have been the result either team hoped for, on the bright side, tonight’s draw only demonstrated how equally matched they both were.
