San Diego Wave FC defeats Portland Thorns 2-0

San Diego Wave FC secured a victory over the Portland Thorns with a 2-0 win at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. The match saw both teams locked in a goalless first half, but second-half goals from Mya Jones and Melanie Barcenas sealed the win for the home side.

The game remained scoreless until the 69th minute when Jones broke the deadlock with a close-range effort following a set piece. Just five minutes later, Barcenas doubled San Diego's lead with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box, assisted by María Sánchez after a corner kick.

Portland (8-4-10) struggled to find its rhythm despite 16 shots, including six on target. Jessie Fleming, Olivia Moultrie and Peyton Linnehan led the efforts with two shots apiece on target. Moultrie had a team-high six shots overall.

San Diego (5-7-10) made strategic substitutions that paid off. In addition to Jones and Barcenas coming off the bench to score, Kaitlyn Torpey also entered as part of triple substitution in the 59th minute that added fresh legs and energy into the lineup.

San Diego's defense, anchored by U.S. national team player Naomi Girma and Kristen McNabb, helped goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan (six saves) post a clean sheet. San Diego has defeated Portland five straight times at home.

On Friday, Portland and Canadian national team legend Christine Sinclair announced she would retire at the end of the NSWL season. Sinclair, who did not record a shot Saturday, left in the 82nd minute and was replaced by Izzy D'Aquila.

Up next: San Diego will play on the road Saturday against the North Carolina Courage. Portland also plays Saturday at home against Utah Royals FC.

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