Portland Thorns win NWSL Challenge Cup title over Gotham FC in thrilling PK shootout
Updated 2:05 PM;
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The 2021 season has barely started, but already the Portland Thorns can already count the year as a success, winning NWSL Challenge Cup final Saturday in a thrilling 5-6 penalty kick shootout over Gotham FC at Providence Park after a tense 1-1 draw.
Morgan Weaver scored and sealed victory as the 14th kicker after Thorns goalkeeper AD Franch made a huge save one kick before, guessing correctly and palming away Nahomi Kawasumi’s shot.
The shootout lasted seven rounds, capping off an electric match with plenty of scoring chances. As the fourth kicker in the back-and-forth, Meghan Klingenberg sent her kick rattling off the crossbar, but in the following attempt, Gotham’s Jennifer Cudjoe did the same, keeping the drama alive.