The Portland Thorns and Angel City played the NWSL's game of the season on Saturday night at Providence Park — who says draws are boring?
The match had absolutely everything.
In the 10th-minute, 18-year-old phenom Alyssa Thompson gave Angel City the lead with a run that showcased her frightening pace before beating Portland keeper Bella Bixby at her near post.
But Hina Sugita brought Portland level from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after Julie Ertz clattered Crystal Dunn in the area. The Thorns then took the lead in the 65th when 17-year-old Olivia Moultrie provided a sensational assist for Morgan Weaver.
It was time for Angel City to mount a comeback.
In the 74th minute, Claire Emslie's devilish free kick delivery forced an own goal by Natalia Kuikka to bring Angel City level. Then, just five minutes later, Julie Ertz scored her first goal for the club with a header off another set piece.
However, there was just enough time for one more epic twist in the tale. In the seventh-minute of second-half stoppage time, Bixby came up for the corner kick in search of an equalizer. Angel City keeper Dijana Haračić tried to gather but ultimately spilt it to Bixby. Portland's keeper still had her back to goal but pulled off an instinctive backheel finish to trigger pandemonium in Providence Park.
BELLA BIXBY JUST DID THAT!!! @bellageist pic.twitter.com/CwoqMg7c5g
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
