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It’s Footy Day. [Thorns Matchday Thread] #BAONPDX #NWSLChallengeCup #PortlandThorns #NorthCarolina #Courage
Read my matchday preview here #BAONPDX #NWSLChallengeCup https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2020/7/15/21326455/quarterfinal-preview?utm_campaign=stumptownfooty&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Starting 11: Eckerstrom, Reynolds, Menges, Hubly, Klingenberg, Salem, HORAN, Rodriguez, Sinclair (C), Lussi, Weaver. Horan in the starting 11 after being questionable but the big miss is Bixby who didn't make the squad. #BAONPDX #NWSLChallengeCup
The footwork form Rocky there was incredible. And what a way for Morgan Weaver to score her first professional goal! Thorns 1-0 #BAONPDX
ECKERSTROM IS IMMENSE #BAONPDX #NWSLChallengeCup
Thorns upset the Courage 1-0 to advance to the semifinals of the #NWSLChallengeCup #BAONPDX Follow along here for post match quotes!
Read about the madness here while we wait for the post match pressers to start! #BAONPDX #NWSLChallengeCup https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2020/7/17/21328727/thorns-courage-quarterfinal?utm_campaign=stumptownfooty&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Courage coach Paul Riley: Typical Courage performance. Game should have been over in the first ten minutes. Thorns took their chance and Eckerstrom had the game of her life. Praised Sinc, Salem, Rocky, and Menges as well
He was reminded of the 2017 final and thinks that this is a good learning opportunity. He actually said he thought this was their best performance of the tourney but could capitalize
Felt like Portland got on the end of balls in the box and the Courage really struggled getting on the end of the ball in the box.
Courage had 20 shots. Had double the shots and double the corners but could take advantage. Portland produced when it counted and you have to take your hat off to them.
Mentioned Merrick had a fantastic tournament but made one mistake. She will get over it and the experience and adversity will help her improve. He is hoping the loss of ignites the entire squad and coaches moving forward.
Coach Mark Parsons opened saying he has huge respect for NCC. Before they left Portland they thought they had something special; togetherness, strength, belief make this group so special. He is extremely proud of the group.
Group invested more in Covid break and individual training. The belief in their ability stemmed from that. The belief has been the story for months now. Power and strength of the group is the secret weapon. “Culture wins”. Defensively the squad was full of warriors
Parsons said aggression and defensive discipline was off the charts. Thorns soccer is culture first and the culture and togetherness really showed today. #BAONPDX
Performance coach said “we are not going home, let’s get ready for Wednesday” and this is what Parsons emphasizes as well. Now they need to keep defensive resiliencey and improve the attack.
Britt Eckerstrom has invested so much in herself. She trained with purpose and focus and she supports her teammates. When you do that good things happen. #BAONPDX
Hubly has been one of most consistent players in the tournament. She has been great in possession and out of possession. #BAONPDX
On Weaver: She has the opportunity to be really really special. She has the mentality to learn, adapt and grow. “I think she has the ability to take over the world.” And she got her reward today. #BAONPDX
To cap off this thread read about game-winning goal scorer @morganvweaver here #BAONPDX #NWSLChallengeCup https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2020/6/25/21299866/portland-thorns-morgan-weaver
