Second Sophia Smith goal gives Portland Thorns win over Bay FC

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Thorns take an early 2-0 lead over Bay FC

Payton Linnehan and Sophia Smith both get on the scoresheet early for the Portland Thorns.

Updated: Sep 5, 2024, 03:11 pm

Portland Thorns FC emerged victorious with a final score of 3-2 against host Bay FC on Wednesday. Sophia Smith led the charge for Portland, contributing two goals, including the winner, and an assist. 

Other notable work for the Thorns came from Payton Linnehan, who opened the scoring for her team at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, two minutes into the game and assisted on one of Smith's goals, and goalkeeper Shelby Hogan, who made three saves.

After Portland went ahead 2-0 in the first seven minutes on the goal by Linnehan and Smith's first, Racheal Kundananji scored for Bay FC in the 41st minute to narrow the Thorns' lead to 2-1. That goal revitalized Bay FC's efforts and set up a thrilling second half. Substitutions by both teams added fresh dynamics, but Smith's second goal, in the 78th minute, sealed the victory for Portland.

Despite falling behind early in the game, Bay FC kept fighting, with Deyna Castellanos scoring the equalizer that made it 2-2 in the 60th minute. 

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