Celebrating the First Three-Time NWSL Champions
While the Portland Thorns have spoiled us a bit with their resumé of success over their 10 years, we will never take their championship achievements for granted. This week, we celebrate the FIRST THREE-TIME NWSL CHAMPIONS in their return to the Rose City, and we couldn’t be more proud. From everyone at Sport Oregon, we congratulate the Portland Thorns and revel in the celebration of our true champions.
In the end, it was a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. that sealed the title. But, really, the accomplishments from this past season already made them champions in our book.
It was a season of standout performances, and ultimate team effort in support of the guidance, direction and tutelage of first-year Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson and general manager Karina LeBlanc. No fewer than four Thorns players dotted the NWSL Best XI at season’s end, including Sophia Smith, who was also crowned the league’s regular-season MVP and NWSL Championship MVP for her standout efforts. Smith and Sam Coffey were named to the Best XI First Team, while defenders Becky Sauerbrunn and Kelli Hubly made the Best XI Second Team.
It was with laser-focus that the Thorns became the league’s first three-time champ, with a dominating performance in the title game over the weekend. Smith set the tone early lead with a fourth-minute strike, and Portland doubled its lead in the 56th minute on its way to a 2-0 victory over the Current. The win gave the Thorns their third Championship in 10 years, with Portland being crowned champs in 2013 and again in 2017. They are two-time NWSL Shield winners (2016, 2021), and in 2021 they won the NWSL Challenge Cup.
At Sport Oregon, we’ve been oh-so proud to support the Thorns for these many years, and couldn’t be more thrilled for the team, its passionate supporters, and the entire city and state. The Thorns women are an inspiration to thousands and thousands of youth in our state. As the team’s playoff run commenced, we were privileged to partner with the team to raise funds for our SHE FLIES initiative. As a result of the team’s semifinal win over San Diego played before 22,000 at Providence Park, we were able to generate important funds for SHE FLIES, a Sport Oregon Foundation initiative that aims to empower girls and women through sport to overcome barriers and challenges, ultimately to unleash their full potential.
For this, we are extremely grateful.
The Thorns championship efforts provide yet another boost for Portland, and are a tangible reminder of how sports impact and bond us as a community. As we revel in our champions’ accomplishments together, we’ll be front and center at Tuesday’s Championship Rally at Providence Park.
Our Portland Thorns are proven champions, and will always be as much to us, win or lose. But we are simply thrilled to celebrate their championship achievements this season.
If You’re Going
In celebration of Portland Thorns FC’s 2022 NWSL Championship victory against the Kansas City Current on Oct. 29 at Audi Field, the club invites fans to come celebrate with the team at an NWSL Championship rally on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Providence Park beginning at 6 p.m. Stadium gates will open to fans at 5:30 p.m.. The rally is free and open to the public, and fans will have the opportunity to purchase food and beverages as well as NWSL Championship merchandise and gear.
The championship rally will feature remarks by Thorns FC players as well team and local leaders. The entire event will also be live streamed on the Thorns website.
Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., event begins at 6:00 p.m.
Gates: Gates D and F only—The rally is free and open to the public. (Fans will be required to go through magnometers and bag checks)
Food: Concession locations will be open on the north end of the stadium
PTFC Authentics: Both main store locations at the stadium will be open with NWSL Championship gear on hand for purchase