Portland Thorns W vs San Diego Wave W Match Recap - Nov 9, 2025

Portland Thorns W Edge Out San Diego Wave W in Nail-Biting Quarter-Final Clash

Portland Thorns W secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over San Diego Wave W in the quarter-finals of the NWSL playoffs, with the decisive goal coming in extra time. The match, held at Providence Park, showcased the Thorns' resilience and tactical prowess, continuing their impressive form as they aim for championship glory.

The Thorns entered this match riding high on a wave of momentum, having won their last two games without conceding a goal. Olivia Moultrie, who had been a standout performer in recent weeks, was once again at the heart of Portland's attacking play. Her ability to create chances and link up with teammates proved crucial as the Thorns sought to break down a stubborn San Diego defense.

San Diego, on the other hand, faced a different narrative. After a stunning 6-1 victory over Chicago, they stumbled against Kansas City just days before this clash, raising questions about their consistency. Despite dominating possession in that match, they failed to convert their chances, a trend that would haunt them again against Portland.

The first half of this quarter-final was tightly contested, with both teams probing for weaknesses. The Thorns' defense, anchored by Reyna Reyes and Sam Hiatt, held firm against San Diego's attacks, which were led by Dudinha and Kenza Dali. The Wave struggled to find their rhythm, often thwarted by Portland's organized backline.

As the match progressed into the second half, the tension mounted. Both teams had opportunities but lacked the finishing touch. Kailen Sheridan, San Diego's goalkeeper, made several key saves to keep her team in the game, while Portland's Mackenzie Arnold was equally impressive at the other end. The stalemate continued into extra time, where fatigue began to set in.

In the 112th minute, the breakthrough finally came for Portland. A well-placed cross found its way into the box, and after a scramble, the Thorns capitalized on a defensive lapse from San Diego. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and put Portland on the brink of advancing further in the playoffs.

This victory not only highlighted Portland's tactical discipline but also underscored their ability to perform under pressure. The Thorns have shown remarkable resilience throughout their recent matches, bouncing back from a disappointing loss to Orlando earlier in October. Their ability to maintain composure in high-stakes situations has been a defining feature of their campaign.

For San Diego, this defeat marks another chapter of frustration in their playoff journey. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including that explosive win against Chicago, they have struggled to find consistency when it matters most. The loss raises questions about their ability to compete at the highest level in knockout scenarios.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a closely contested battle with plenty of goals. While I was right about the intensity of the match, I underestimated Portland's defensive solidity and San Diego's inability to convert chances. This result serves as a reminder that playoff football often hinges on moments of brilliance and defensive lapses.

As both teams look ahead, Portland will carry this momentum into their next challenge, buoyed by their recent performances and the confidence gained from this victory. Meanwhile, San Diego must regroup and reflect on what went wrong in this quarter-final clash. The stakes are high in playoff football, and both teams will need to adapt quickly as they navigate the pressures of knockout rounds.

In the end, it was Portland Thorns W who emerged victorious, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year's NWSL playoffs.