Kansas City Current handed Portland Thorns a rare home defeat, 2-0, at Providence Park on Saturday to extend their league-best run and snap Portland’s club-record home unbeaten streak.
The visitors struck early, with Ellie Wheeler finishing a looping cross from Izzy Rodriguez just 54 seconds into the match, catching the Thorns off guard and giving Kansas City the lead. Portland pressed in the first half but keeper Lorena Leite stood tall, with a big save on Deyna Castellanos in the 12th minute and a follow-up stop on Castellanos again in the 32nd. Wichita-style pressure in the second half yielded little, and Kansas City doubled the advantage in the 71st minute when Temwa Chawinga converted after a long ball split Portland’s defense and left her one-on-one with Mackenzie Arnold.
Portland, which entered the game with a club-record home unbeaten stretch, fell to 7-5-5 for 26 points and remains in fifth place with nine games left. The loss also ended a 10-game home run without a defeat dating back to October of last year. Kansas City continued its dominance, improving to 14-2-1 for 43 points and widening its lead to 12 points over Minnesota United in second place after also extending its streak of nine wins in 10 games and a fifth consecutive shutout. The Current have outscored opponents 21-1 in the first halves this season and outshot Portland 12-5 by the break.
Portland’s best chances came in the second half as the Thorns built sustained pressure with precise passing in tight spaces, but Leite denied Reyna Reyes and Mimi Alidou on close-range chances to preserve the lead. Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie had a late shot cannon off the crossbar in the 89th minute and, with three games still to play before her 20th birthday on September 17, remains on course to challenge the NWSL teenage scoring record of 13 goals.
Portland also added a notable roster move on Saturday, announcing the acquisition of French international forward Julie Dufour from Angel City FC for cash. Dufour, who had spent eight years in France with Lille, Bordeaux and Paris FC before joining the NWSL this season, came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute.
Looking ahead, Portland will try to rebound quickly when they host the Utah Royals, the league’s bottom team, in their next home match.
Why it matters
– Kansas City continues to assert itself as the class of the league, placing significant distance between them and the rest of the field with a potent attack and stout defense.
– Portland faces a tough stretch but gains a veteran forward in Julie Dufour, potentially adding spark and depth as they chase a deeper playoff push.
– The Thorns’ young talent, including Moultrie, remains a bright spot and a core to watch as they aim to turn recent results back in their favor.
Summary
Kansas City’s fast start and clinical finishing doomed Portland’s home confidence, but the Thorns showed flashes of resilience and added a high-profile signing that could influence their attack down the stretch. With a favorable next opponent on paper, Portland has a decision to make about tightening gaps early in games while leveraging new talent to regain momentum.
Additional notes
– Attendance: 16,695
– KC outscored opponents 21-1 in the first half across the season
– Thorns face Utah Royals next, a game they’ll want to turn into a springboard for a late-season push
Optional hopeful spin
Portland’s season isn’t defined by one result, and the acquisition of Julie Dufour signals a proactive approach to strengthening the attack. With key young players continuing to develop and a home matchup against Utah on the horizon, the Thorns have an opportunity to reenergize their pursuit of a strong finish and another deep playoff run.