The Portland Thorns opened their season with a 4‑3 victory over the Boston Legacy in a match that swung back and forth until the final whistle.
Hat Trick Heroics
Twenty‑two‑year‑old Pietra Tordin stole the spotlight, becoming the youngest Thorns player to notch a hat trick and finishing with three goals that swung momentum in Portland’s favor.
Sophia Wilson opened the scoring in the second minute, and Jessie Fleming’s clever interception set up Tordin’s second strike, giving the Thorns a 3‑0 lead before Boston began to rally.
Boston’s comeback gathered steam when Alba Caño and Amanda Gutierres struck late, but a disciplined Portland defense held firm despite the pressure.
The game took a contentious turn when coach Robert Vilahamn was shown a red card in the 58th minute for deliberately deflecting a dead ball, a move that added drama to an already eventful contest.
The match was played at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a venue that witnessed a crowd of fans eager to see the league’s newest storylines unfold.
Other NWSL Results
Angel City FC and Seattle Reign FC shared a 2‑2 draw, with Prisca Chilufya equalising in the dying minutes, while Bay FC and Chicago Stars finished goalless after multiple offside decisions disallowed potential winners.
Despite the excitement, the Thorns concluded the season with a 10‑6‑4 record, while Boston ended at 5‑10‑5, underscoring the competitive balance across the league.