Portland Thorns win 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup on penalties 🇺🇸 🏆 | OneFootball

Portland Thorns were crowned 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup champions after a 2-1 win over Gotham FC on Saturday thanks to a penalty shoot-out.

Scorers: Sinclair 8′; Lloyd 61′

It didn’t take long for the deadlock to break as Portland Thorns’ captain Christine Sinclair scored a stunning curling effort just eight minutes in.

Immediately after, Gotham had the chance to equalise but captain Carli Lloyd was just a few steps away from reaching the ball.

As time went on, the hosts pushed forward to try and double the lead with Lindsey Horan seeing an attempt roll across goal and her free-kick hit off the woodwork.

After the break, the visitors found their touch and Lloyd’s header made it 1-1 with roughly half an hour to go.

In the final 15 minutes, the Thorns had better opportunities to take the lead but had multiple chances saved, one cleared off the line and a goal ruled offside. In injury time, Gotham saw a header go inches wide.

Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time the match went into penalties and substitute Morgan Weaver won it for the hosts in front of fans.