Shorthanded Portland Thorns Stun Seattle Reign 2-0 in Record Home Opener

PORTLAND, Ore. — In a bizarre twist to the storied Northwest Derby, the Portland Thorns defeated the Seattle Reign 2-0 on Friday night at Providence Park despite being reduced to nine players after two red cards. Pietra Tordin opened the scoring with a header in the 28th minute, then assisted Reilyn Turner's goal nine minutes later to make it 2-0 before halftime. The Thorns' defense, led by a stout backline, preserved the shutout against a pressing Seattle side.

The match drew a record 21,321 fans for a Thorns home opener, shattering previous marks and showcasing Portland's unwavering support for women's soccer. Refereed by Elvis Osmanovic, the game turned chaotic with the red cards, yet the shorthanded Thorns — long a powerhouse in the NWSL's Pacific Northwest rivalry — dug deep to secure the victory. Tordin's two goal contributions highlighted her impact in the Rose City's latest chapter of Cascadia soccer supremacy.

This win marks a strong start to the 2026 NWSL season for Portland, intensifying the fierce competition with cross-state rival Seattle. Providence Park, the Thorns' fortress since the league's inception, continues to host electric atmospheres that rival any in U.S. soccer. Fans chanted through the tension, turning potential heartbreak into triumph.