Photo by Sandra Agbotse

PORTLAND THORNS FC II CLINCH FIRST PAC NORTHWEST TITLE

Going into Thursday night’s match, everyone in the Portland Thorns FC II dressing room knew what was at stake. With the game scoreless at halftime, the tension grew. A win over Spokane SC Shadow would give the No. 15 ranked Thorns its first regular season conference title since joining the Women’s Premier Soccer League in 2023. 

 

Kenley Whittaker (University of California 2024- ) broke the palpable tension at the iconic Providence Park in downtown Portland, tucking home a cross at the far post in the 56th minute to give the Thorns a 1-0 lead. Then, Emelia Warta (Gonzaga University 2023- ) made it 2-0 six minutes later. Taylor Bryan (University of Oregon 2020- ) all but locked up the game and the Pac Northwest Conference in the 88th minute, making it 3-0. Spokane made it 3-1 in stoppage time, but by then the celebration had already begun. 

 

 

“Winning the Pac Northwest Division championship is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and belief within this group. It means a lot to the club, not just as a trophy, but as a testament to the culture we're building here,” Gabe Tatz, Portland FC II executive director, said. 

 

“Our players have shown incredible commitment to the process, and this title is a proud moment for everyone involved, from the staff to the players and the supporters who’ve backed us all season long.”

 

With its first conference title in hand and a perfect 7-0-0 record, Portland closed out its season on Saturday in a Rose City Derby match at Westside Metros FC. 

 

“The level of competition in the Pacific Northwest is incredibly high, and every match demands focus and intensity,” Tatz said. “But our players met those challenges head-on, and that’s what ultimately pushed us to the top of the division.

 

To say the Thorns dominated its competition in its second WPSL season would be an understatement. Portland led the conference in both goals scored and goals against. The 18 goals Portland scored over the course of the season was spread across the entire roster. Warta led all scorers with four goals, followed by Shaela Bradley (Rutgers University 2024- ) and Whittaker with two each. The remaining 10 goals were spread across the rest of the squad. 

 

Photo by Howard Lao

“There have been so many highlights this season, but what stands out most is the depth and balance of our squad,” Tatz said. “No matter who stepped on the pitch, they were ready to contribute, and that’s reflected in the number of different players who found the scoresheet.

 

Defensively, Thorns FC II is in elite company, conceding only a single goal so far this season. Michaela McCollum (Gonzaga University 2023- ) and Nyamma Nelson (Northwestern University 2025- ) split the goalkeeping duties with three starts each. 

 

“Defensively, we’ve been one of the most disciplined and organized units in the league, and that foundation allowed us to stay competitive in every match,” Tatz said. “From top to bottom, this team has shown what it means to play with purpose and unity.”

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