Portland Thorns Hand Orlando Pride First Loss

In a surprising upset, the Portland Thorns defeated the previously unbeaten Orlando Pride 2-0 on Friday night, marking the Pride's first loss of the season. Morgan Weaver opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by Christine Sinclair's goal in the 55th, which celebrated her impressive career milestone of 80 goals. This victory snapped Portland's seven-game winless streak and kept their playoff hopes alive, as they currently sit in seventh place in the standings. The Pride, who had secured the NWSL Shield for best regular-season record, rested several key players, including Marta, in preparation for the playoffs. Despite the defeat, Orlando remains the No. 1 seed heading into the postseason, while Portland aims to secure their spot in the playoffs with two games remaining. Additionally, Portland's general manager Karina LeBlanc will transition to a new role that encompasses both the Thorns and a WNBA expansion team after the season ends.