Portland Celebrates One Legend, Another Carries The Thorns To Victory

The Portland Thorns started Saturday night by honoring one of the sport's biggest icons in Christine Sinclair. Over the course of the next couple of hours, Sinclair watched from the stadium as a budding star's standout performance kept her former franchise's playoff hopes alive.

Sinclair spent her entire NWSL career with the Portland Thorns, scoring 82 goals in the process. One of the highlights during her time with the Thorns included winning the NWSL Championship in 2022. Joining Sinclair on that roster was teenage phenom Olivia Moultrie.

"In the last year we were together, she just kind of tried to lend everything that she had," Moultrie said of her former teammate. "What I've learned is just like, the ups are never too high, and the lows are never too low. And I think that's what's important in this league, to get you through a season and to get you through year after year."

Moultrie was the difference-maker in the Thorns' 2-1 victory over Bay FC to keep their chance at hosting a playoff match intact. The midfielder scored her first career brace on the night of Sinclair's jersey retirement.

17' Thorns Receive Free Kick (0-0)

One of Portland's early opportunities in what was a scoreless first 35 minutes came off a set piece.

Moultrie attempted to score off a free kick, but it sailed over the crossbar after goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz appeared to deflect it. Opposing defenses aren't likely to save many free-kick shots coming off Moultrie's boots, and it foreshadowed what was to come.

36' Bay FC Takes The Lead (0-1)

Portland kept the score clean for most of the first half. With about 10 minutes left before halftime, Bay FC took the advantage.

A pair of passes by the opposing side set up Taylor Huff at the edge of the 18-yard box. Huff took a pair of touches and sent the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.

"We always feel confident when we're going in halftime that we're fixed what needs to be fixed, and we'll make the adjustments," coach Robe Gale said. "And I've got to give the player credit, because they have to go and then execute.

51' Moultrie Equalizes (1-1)

It's been a different season for Portland than fans have grown accustomed to seeing. With plenty of season-ending injuries on the roster, including one of its biggest offensive players, Morgan Weaver, and United States National Team star Sophia Wilson on maternity leave, this is a scrappy young Thorns team that has needed to fight its way into the playoff picture.

Sinclair retired following the 2024 season, signaling a changing of the guard. The young stars on Portland's roster, such as Moultrie, have stepped into larger roles. Then there have been players who've risen into leadership roles. Midfielder Sam Coffey took over the captaincy, which was previously held by Sinclair.

"I feel like we definitely had that extra energy because of her and honoring her. She's a great example of kind of what Rose City is and the success that they've had," Moultrie said. "I loved playing with her. And I hope to just kind of continue on the energy that she brought and continue the success that the Thorns have had."

Coffey and Moultrie were the two who connected on the Thorn's first goal in the 51st minute. Coffey slid a pass inside the box to Moultrie, who provided the equalizer.

69' Thorns Snatch The Lead (2-1)

There are few players in the NWSL and in any league who are as good at scoring off a set piece as Moultrie.

The midfielder now scored two of her last three goals off free kicks. Moultrie converted off the direct free kick in the 69th minute — a shot that ended up being the game-winner.

Moultrie brace makes her the Thorns' leading scorer this season with six goals. She joins elite company as one of six players in club history to record at least 15 goals and 10 assists. She joined Sinclair, along with Allie Long, Alex Morgan, and current teammates Wilson and Weaver.

"Talk about a player who's grown up around Christine Sinclair since 13 years old," Gale said. "And she honored her in the absolute right way tonight."

Full Time: 2-1

Bay FC wasn't able to come into Providence Park and play spoiler on Sinclair's big night, as Portland held it to a second-half shutout.

The Thorns suffered a 3-0 defeat against Gotham FC in the previous match. A second-straight loss could've put the Thorns on the bubble to make the playoffs. Instead, they remained in contention to host a playoff match, currently sitting in fourth in the standings.

"I think we reminded ourselves of the bravery and the intensity and just kind of like the togetherness that we need to finish the year and to hopefully get that home playoff spot, and just like that push that we need," Moultrie said.

Portland is the best in the league this season when it comes to gaining points from a losing position, now with 13.

The Thorns head to Orlando next to face the Pride at 5 p.m. PST.