Portland Thorns vs. NJ/NY Gotham score: NWSL Challenge Cup goes to Thorns after dramatic penalty shootout

Thorns defeat Gotham FC in penalty shootout

Portland Thorns are the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup champions after defeating Gotham FC in a penalty kick shootout. Thorns captain Christine Sinclaire and Gotham captain Carli Lloyd scored in regulation before the teams decided the tournament from the spot. Portland set the tone in the match with an early goal as the Thorns dominated the midfield to open the match. Sinclair scored in the 8th minute after making a play on LLoyd off the ball in the midfield and taking a strike from distance to give Portland the early lead. While Gotham FC were unsuccessful in their distribution and couldn't finding meaningful space in the final third during the first half, Portland continued to attack and press in front of goal but failed to find a second goal which might have put the match away.