Thorns 4-2 over Reign in 43rd NWSL Cascadia derby

Seattle Reign FC 2
Portland Thorns FC 4
August 10, 2025
Providence Park – Portland, OR
NWSL Regular Season

Portland Thorns FC hosted Seattle Reign FC in the 43rd meeting of the NWSL Cascadia Derby on Sunday afternoon at Providence Park in Portland.

What began in 2013 as a rivalry of proximity has evolved into real derby. Both clubs have typically been good, playing for trophies with rosters full of internationals. Travelling supporters add a proper atmosphere. All of this and dramatic matches has built a history.

Entering the match, the series was level at sixteen wins each with ten draws across all competitions.

The 1PM start was met with a muggy ninety-something temperature.

Seattle would get on the board quickly. Emeri Adames would get in behind the Thorns defense in the third minute and nudge one in for the early goal and lead.

Portland would look to quickly respond, taking it right back at the Reign and forcing keeper Claudia Dickey into a fingertip save in the eighth minute and a swarm of attacks in the ensuing minutes.

The Thorns would get their equalizer early. An 18th minute penalty was converted by Sam Coffey and things were right back level. Could the pace keep up in the heat?

The hosts would go up a goal at 2-1 in the 26th minute, Reilyn Turner would get past the Seattle defense and score her 5th goal of the season.

A few close calls for both sides at the beginning of the second half did not lead to a quick goal for either side. But, about ten minutes into the half on a delayed restart, Reyna Reyes would get a header past Dickey.

Seattle would need the reinforcements to step up as the subs starting coming on.

Jessica Fishlock got one back in the 64th minute, netting a diving header. But, the two goal lead was grabbed right back the next minute by Pietra Tordin on the restart. Moments earlier it was a 3-1 scoreline and suddenly it was a 4-2 scoreline.

Mia Fishel would get her first taste of the derby, coming on in the 66th.

Portland’s midfield trio of Moultrie, Coffey, and Hina Sugita were relentless in keeping their Reign counterparts on their heels. The Thorns were able to get and keep possession with the Thorns forwards pressing and creating ongoing opportunities. The Portland pressure kept the ball in the Reign defensive half for significant stretches.

The match would end at 4-2 for Portland. The Thorns now move ahead of Seattle with 17 wins in the series.

The Cascadia derby atmosphere in Portland was rocking. 21,811 filled Providence Park and were active, even in the sweltering conditions.

An interesting match. The early Reign goal got things rolling. Portland answered and pressed and kept the visitors on their heels much of the match.

BOX

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – Emeri Adames (Jess Fishlock) 3’
POR – Sam Coffey (penalty) 18’
POR – Reilyn Turner (Jessie Fleming) 26’
POR – Reyna Reyes 55’
SEA – Jess Fishlock (Madison Curry) 64’
POR – Pietra Tordin (Hina Sugita) 65’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

None

LINEUPS & STATS

Seattle Reign FC – Claudia Dickey; Sofia Huerta, Jordyn Bugg (Lauren Barnes 60’), Shae Holmes, Madison Curry; Sally Menti (Mia Fishel 67’), Sam Meza, Jess Fishlock © (Ji So-Yun 78’); Emeri Adames, Maddie Dahlien (78’), Jordyn Huitema (Lynn Biyendolo 61’)
Substitutes not used: Maddie Prohaska, Angharad James-Turner, Emily Mason, Ainsley McCammon

Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 11
Offside: 1
Corner-Kicks: 5
Saves: 7

Portland Thorns FC – Mackenzie Arnold; Reyna Reyes, Isabella Obaze, Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie (Kaitlyn Torpey 75’); Sam Coffey ©, Hina Sugita, Jessie Fleming (Mimi Alidou 84’), Olivia Moultrie (Payton Linnehan 84); Pietra Tordin (Deyna Castellanos 75’), Reilyn Turner (Daiane 84’)
Substitutes not used: Bella Bixby, Jayden Perry, Carissa Boeckmann, Alexa Spaanstra

Total shots:  23
Shots on goal: 11
Fouls: 5
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks:  4
Saves: 1

Referees:  Katja Koroleva
Assistants:  Matthew Rodman, Matthew Schwartz
Fourth Official:  Justin St. Pierre
VAR: Jamie Padilla
Attendance:  21,811