Portland Thorns FC participant in 2020 NWSL Fall Series
2020 season
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 12, 2020 the Thorns canceled their preseason tournament, scheduled for March 29-April 4. On March 20, 2020, the NWSL postponed the start of the league's regular season indefinitely. The Thorns participated in the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup, defeating the North Carolina Courage in the quarterfinals but losing to the eventual champions Houston Dash in the semifinals. The Thorns also participated in and clinched the 2020 NWSL Fall Series Community Shield with a win on October 11, 2020, over OL Reign.Competitions
The Thorns competed in and won the West Division of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, advancing from the group stage to host the finals on May 8, 2021, against NJ/NY Gotham FC. After drawing the finals in regulation 1–1, the Thorns defeated Gotham in penalties 6–5 to claim the cup. Morgan Weaver scored the match-winning penalty.The Thorns qualified for the 2021 Women's International Champions Cup as champions of the 2020 Fall Series, and won the tournament by defeating three-time finalists and defending champions Olympique Lyon 1–0. Morgan Weaver scored the match-winning goal in regulation. Portland also hosted the friendly tournament.The Thorns clinched their second NWSL Shield on October 17, earning a first-round bye to the 2021 NWSL playoffs, but lost in the semi-finals to the Chicago Red Stars.Head coach Mark Parsons, who had served since 2016, left the team after the 2021 season to lead the Netherlands women's national football team. His hiring had been announced during the season in May.
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