The nosedive that saw the Portland Thorns lose six of seven NWSL matches as part of a league-worst 10-game stretch ended eight days ago when the Thorns pulled off the upset of the year, taking down the league-leading Orlando Pride.
But the emotional, get-right victory didn’t ensure a thing for Portland. Nope, to solidify their playoff spot the Thorns needed to go out and do it again. To once more earn a result against a league foe who was also in the playoff picture.
That’s where Portland found itself Saturday evening in Louisville’s Lynn Family Stadium, a win or draw against Racing Louisville the only thing standing between the Thorns and a postseason bid.