The Boston Legacy secured a 4-2 victory over the Portland Thorns on Saturday night at Providence Park, extending their road success in a key National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) matchup. The Legacy improved their record to 8-14-5 (29 points), while the Thorns, who are contending for playoff positioning, fell to 12-8-7 (43 points).
The match took a decisive turn in the 22nd minute when Portland forward Sophia Wilson received a red card for pulling the hair of Boston’s Laís Araújo, reducing the Thorns to 10 players early in the first half. Boston capitalized on the advantage, taking a 2-0 lead by halftime through goals from Alba Caño and Sarah Schupansky.
Portland narrowed the deficit just before the hour mark when Pietra Tordin converted a penalty kick, bringing the score to 2-1. However, Boston maintained control for much of the second half. Substituting in at the 85th minute, Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact. Within three minutes, she benefited from Ella Stevens’ clearance, skillfully splitting two defenders before finishing in one touch to put the Legacy ahead 3-1.
Portland responded in the 90th minute with a goal from Shae Harvey, cutting the deficit to one. Nevertheless, Gutierres sealed the win in stoppage time, redirecting a cross from Bianca St-Georges to register her ninth goal of the season and secure a three-point haul for Boston.
Boston goalkeeper Murphy also reached a personal milestone, recording six saves in the match to become the sixth goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach 500 career saves.
The Legacy will return home for the final game of their inaugural season on October 16, hosting Louisville at Gillette Stadium.