Yet the Thorns players and staff showed incredible resolve through all of the upheaval, with first-year manager Rhian Wilkinson finding the right balance between giving players space or providing support when that was needed.
Of course, it helped that Portland has a talented team with exemplary balance between attack and defense. The veteran presence of Becky Sauerbrunn, Meghan Klingenberg and Christine Sinclair was vital, as was the outstanding play of Smith. Players like Rocky Rodriguez and Ryan emerged as well to give the Thorns more options in attack. It all added up to a stellar season that ended with the team’s third NWSL championship.
2. Smith for show, defense for dough
Smith’s outstanding NWSL season saw her become the league’s youngest MVP in history. She continued that form in the final, pouncing on a mistake by Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball to run in alone to round goalkeeper AD Franch and put the ball in an empty net. She is now the youngest player to score in an NWSL championship, and the second NWSL player to win league MVP and score in an NWSL Championship in the same season, joining Lynn Williams who accomplished the feat with the Western New York Flash in 2016.
Smith remained an absolute handful for the remainder of the first half, and had several chances to score, including a 28th-minute effort that saw her beat three opponents and fire just inches wide of the far post.
Portland’s win was by no means a one-woman affair. Ryan in particular was a menace in attack, and it was her cross that led to the own goal.
The Thorns had their defense to thank as well. While the Current did take nine shots, none of them were on goal. Portland midfielders Sam Coffey and Rodriguez provided an effective bulwark, and the backline, ably led by Sauerbrunn, was well positioned to clean up any threats that managed to get through. Natalia Kuikka was also impressive on both sides of the ball.
3. Disappointment for KC, but future still bright
It was a night where the magnitude of the occasion seemed to get to the Current, with a basic error creating an early deficit, one that they could never quite overcome. Portland’s possession game oftentimes manipulated Kansas City’s defensive shape, with central midfielders Desiree Scott and Alexis Loera getting pulled out of the middle. That created space for Portland’s attack to break through.
Once Portland scored its second goal, Kansas City through more into attack, bringing on Elyse Bennett, but was unable to find a goal. Attacking midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta never really got going to provide the kind of offensive threat the Current needed.
But this doesn’t figure to be the last time that Kansas City finds itself in a championship final. Owners Angie and Chris Long, as well as Brittany Mahomes, have invested over $135 million for a new training facility and stadium, and that should do plenty to attract quality players. This is a team and organization on the rise.
Player ratings
Kansas City: Franch 5; Merrick 4, Ball 3, Edmonds 5; Del Fava 5, LaBonta 4, Scott 5, Loera 5, Mace 5; Hamilton 5, Kizer 6
Subs: Bennett 5, Rodriguez 5
Portland: Bixby 6 Kuikka 7, Hubly 7, Sauerbrunn 7, Klingenberg 7; Sinclair 5, Coffey 6, RodrĂguez 6; Ryan 8, Smith 8, Weaver 6
Subs: Beckie 6, Sugita 6, Dunn 5, Moultrie NR
Best and worst performers
BEST Sophia Smith, Portland
Smith looked every bit the MVP, scoring the all-important first goal and creating other opportunities as well. She was always a danger off the dribble.
WORST: Elizabeth Ball, Kansas City
It was Ball’s failure to cut out Ryan’s through ball that allowed Smith escape on a clear breakaway and score to give Portland the early lead.
Highlights and notable moments
Smith’s fourth-minute goal for Portland set the tone for the evening, and the Thorns never looked back.
.@sophsssmith puts @ThornsFC up EARLY early đź‘€#NWSLChampionship | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/AJsIsB9r5S
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 30, 2022
The moment the final whistle rang out around Audi Field was one to saviour for the Thorns after a tumultuous season.
🏆 THE CHAMPIONS 🏆@ThornsFC #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/CFSkrkc4Yh
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 30, 2022
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)
– Portland Thorns have won their third NWSL title (2013, 2017, 2022), breaking a tie with North Carolina Courage and FC Kansas City (defunct) for the most in league history.
– Thorns striker Smith became the first player to be named league MVP and win Championship MVP in same season.
