Washington Spirit Vs Portland Thorns: 3 things we learned

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HERRIMAN, UT – JULY 1: Savannah McCaskill #9 of Chicago Red Stars defends the ball against Lindsey Horan #10 of Portland Thorns FC during a game between Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns FC at Zions Bank Stadium on July 1, 2020 in Herriman, Utah. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

1. Horan stays in top form

The key focal point of the Portland Thorns team has been Lindsey Horan from before the tournament even started. And in the first three games, she has thrived under that focus. Against Washington, she scored her first goal of the competition, but even without scoring, she has been one of the best players in this tournament so far.

The USWNT midfielder has been a constant force in the midfield, winning balls back and moving it forward. She is getting on the ball more than anyone on her team and her quality is showing why Mark Parsons trusts Horan with the ball. On Sunday, she led the game in touches (85), had three shots, all of which were on target, created three chances, and scored the crucial goal.

After a busy offseason for Portland and players opting out of the competition, there were a lot of concerns about the team’s competitiveness. While a lot of other pieces have been changing, Horan and her excellent midfield play has been a never-changing constant.

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Her goal against the Spirit was a small sample of what she has been able to do this entire competition. The Thorns are still without a win so far and will need to improve in other areas to do so. But if they are looking for inspiration, they need not turn far because Horan has been supreme.

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