PORTLAND, OREGON – The Portland Thorns went top of the table on Saturday afternoon with a 1-0 win over the visiting KC NWSL.

PORTLAND, OREGON – The Portland Thorns went top of the table on Saturday afternoon with a 1-0 win over the visiting KC NWSL.

The game was the second of the weekend to be broadcasted on national television, with CBS proper having the honors. It looked as if it would be Portland’s day early, with Lindsey Horan going just wide of the post with a header in the game’s first minute. Portland would continue with the pressure, but Abby Smith of KC seemed up for the occasion as well, stopping the Thorns at every turn. In the 12th minute, a handball in the box by Elizabeth Ball would earn Christine Sinclair the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. The Canadian would step up, but was denied by Smith to keep the game scoreless. It looked as if the sides would go in level at halftime, but in stoppage time, Crystal Dunn would send a ball over the top of KC’s defense that left Smith stranded. Simone Charley, Portland’s most dangerous player of the half, took her chance, rounded Smith and scored just before halftime. Despite chances in the second half, that goal would prove to be the difference. The Thorns go up to 12 points and sit atop of the league table. They return to play on Saturday June 26th when they travel to Cary to take on the North Carolina Courage at 7pm ET on Paramount Plus. KC NWSL will look to rebound and capture that elusive first win, as they return midweek to host Orlando on June 22nd at 2pm ET. The match will also stream on Paramount Plus.