Thorns find way to semis, but that's all

‍

The Portland Thorns were ripe to defend their NWSL title with a semifinal match on their home turf. But, that goal did not ripen and the Thorns fell 1-0 in overtime to Gotham NY/NJ.

Led by Sophia Smith, who won the league’s Golden Boot for scoring 11 times during the season, the Thorns earned the league’s second-best record at 10-4-7, 35 points.

The 10 wins is the seventh consecutive season the team has secured double digits in wins. The team won the league title last year as well.

On the years, 13 different players scored at least one goal, while nine players finished with at least one assist. Sophia Smith secured her first career NWSL Golden Boot with 11 goals, making her the first Portland player to achieve this accolade.

Sam Coffey led the NWSL with eight assists – the second-most assists in a single season in club history. She is the second Thorns FC player to lead the league in assists (Tobin Heath – 10, 2016).