Oregon governor's office denies NWSL request for more fans Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's office has turned down an appeal by the commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League to allow more than 100 fans at the Challenge Cup tournament final Saturday between the Portland Thorns and Gotham FC. The Canadian Press VIDEO SIGN OUT PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's office has turned down an appeal by the commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League to allow more than 100 fans at the Challenge Cup tournament final Saturday between the Portland Thorns and Gotham FC. The governor on Friday moved 15 counties to “extreme risk” status, including the Portland metro area. As a result, outdoor sporting events in those areas can no longer have more than 100 spectators. The Thorns and Major League Soccer’s Timbers had previously been able to host about 3,800 fans at Providence Park, which translates to 15% of the stadium's capacity.