Wilson Sees Red as Gutierres’ Late Brace Powers Boston Legacy Past Thorns 4-2
Photos by: Jack Lewy
A chaotic night at Providence Park turned on one moment in the 22nd minute. Sophia Wilson was shown a straight red card, and Boston Legacy FC made the most of the extra player, beating the Portland Thorns 4-2 on Saturday in front of 17,860 fans.
Game Flow Recap: Down to Ten
Wilson was sent off after pulling the hair of Boston defender Laís Araújo during a tussle, an automatic dismissal that left Portland a player short for more than 70 minutes. It was only the second red card of Wilson's NWSL career, and it carries a one-match suspension.
Boston took control before halftime. In the 35th minute, Alba Caño volleyed home Annie Karich's cross from the right. Four minutes later, Sarah Schupansky struck from outside the box, and her shot went in off the left post to make it 2-0.
Portland found a way back in. Early in the second half, Boston goalkeeper Casey Murphy brought down Pietra Tordin in the box, and Tordin converted the penalty herself in the 59th minute. It was her first NWSL penalty, her eighth goal of the season, a single-season career high, and the 50th league penalty in Thorns history.
Star Performer: Amanda Gutierres
Boston's bench decided the game. Gutierres entered in the 85th minute and scored three minutes later, finishing after Mackenzie Arnold came off her line. After Portland pulled within one, she scored again in the 93rd minute from a Bianca St-Georges assist to seal the win.
The brace set an NWSL single-season record of six goals off the bench, and Gutierres became the first player in league history with multiple substitute braces in one season.
Turning Point: The Answer After Harvey's Strike
Portland refused to fold. In the 90th minute, substitute Shae Harvey hit a powerful shot from outside the box for her first professional goal, cutting the deficit to 3-2 and briefly bringing the crowd back to life. Boston answered three minutes later through Gutierres, ending any hope of a late equalizer.
What It Means
Boston, already out of playoff contention, added to a league-record eight stoppage-time goals this season. For Portland, the defeat and Wilson's red card were a setback in the push for a home playoff spot.
The Thorns will be without Wilson when they visit Bay FC at PayPal Park on Sunday, October 18.
