After a regular season filled with nail-biting matches, the Portland Thorns Football Club succeeded in the playoff matches. 

Thorns fans were nervous entering the semifinal match against San Diego Wave FC after a loss to them in a previous game, but the team was able to pull away with an exciting 2-1 win with a late goal from Thorns player Crystal Dunn. This win advanced the team to the championship match against the Kansas City Current FC, and the Thorns took home the championship with a 2-0 win. 

Tualatin junior Amity Humphrey shared her excitement about the game and the Thorns’ big win. 

Did you watch the championship game? What was the energy of the game like?

AH: “It was really exciting just because we haven’t won a championship in a while, and I know everyone wanted to see it happen.” 

How do you think this win will affect the future of women’s soccer in Portland?

AH: “This win will make the team stronger and make everyone more excited and motivated for the future.”

How important was this win after the events that took place within the Thorns soccer program in the past year? 

AH: “I think this win boosted our reputation because everyone looked down on the Thorns’ soccer program, and us getting this win definitely doesn’t fix the problem, but it helps the image of the team and shows their ability to overcome adversity on and off the field.” 

The city of Portland celebrated this win by welcoming home the team at the Portland International Airport and at Providence Park with signs and cheers to display their pride. This victory boosts the confidence of the team coming into the next season and they are hopeful for another trophy in the near future.