Thorns beat Wave, snapping San Diego's franchise-record winning streak

Proximity and parochialism dictate that the San Diego Wave's biggest rival is Angel City, Los Angeles' National Women's Soccer League club.

In reality, it's the Portland Thorns.

The teams met three times last year, drawing twice before Portland ended San Diego's season with an overtime win in the playoffs.

The Wave handed the Thorns their first loss of the season last month at Snapdragon Stadium.

Wednesday night, Portland struck back.

Marie Müller and Sophia Wilson both scored as Portland beat the Wave 2-0 in front of 19,806 fans at Providence Park to overtake San Diego atop the NWSL standings. The Thorns improved to 5-1-1, while the Wave fell to 5-2-0. The loss snaps the Wave's club-record five-match winning streak.

The Wave outshot the Thorns 11-5, though both teams finished with exactly three shots on goal.

For the second time in as many matches, the Wave found themselves in a hole early.

Portland scored first, with Müller taking Olivia Moultrie's pass in stride in the 10th minute and lofting it over Wave goalkeeper Leah Freeman for her first-ever NWSL goal. Wilson, the former Sophia Smith, made it 2-0 in the 64th minute to give the hosts some breathing room.

Portland goalie Mackenzie Arnold finished with three saves compared to Freeman's one.

The Thorns have not lost the Wave at home since September 2023.

San Diego returns to action Sunday with a match against Bay FC at Snapdragon Stadium before traveling to Angel City on May 9. The club will then host Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit on May 15.

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