Pietra Tordin's hat trick propelled the Portland Thorns to a thrilling 4-3 win over the Boston Legacy on Sunday, marking the first meeting between the teams.
The match got off to a flying start with Tordin scoring from a free kick in the second minute, and Sophia Wilson doubling Portland's lead just four minutes later. By the 31st minute, Tordin had added her second goal, extending Portland's lead to 3-0.
However, the Boston Legacy's Bianca St-Georges cut into Portland's lead six minutes later, and the hosts continued to push forward. Alba Caño and Amanda Gutierres each scored in the second half to pull Boston within one, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
Tordin's third goal, which came after a long ball from goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, sealed the win for the Thorns. At just 22 years old, Tordin became the youngest Thorn to ever score a hat trick, and she now leads the NWSL with 15 goals.
Thorns coach Robert Vilahamn was ejected in the 58th minute for intentionally deflecting a dead ball away from play, adding an extra layer of drama to the match. Despite the controversy, Portland held on to secure the win.
The high-scoring match marked the highest-scoring NWSL game of the season, with a total of seven goals scored between the two teams. Portland's win improves their record to 10-6-4, while the Boston Legacy falls to 5-10-5.
The NWSL continues to showcase its competitive nature, with several high-scoring matches taking place over the weekend. The league's top scorers are now vying for the title, and matches like this one will be crucial in determining the final standings.
The Thorns will look to build on their win as they face off against their next opponent, with Tordin's hat trick likely to be the main talking point in the lead-up to the match.
Source: Yahoo Sports