Allie Long’s first-half goal lifted the Portland Thorns to a 1-0 win over the Western New York Flash on Saturday in front of a crowd of 13,148 at Providence Park.
In the 22nd minute, Long won a challenge in the air with Western New York goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. Sinead Farrelly sent a looping ball forward into the 18-yard box and Long got her head to it before the keeper could punch the ball clear.
“I saw the keeper come out, so I tried to flick it on and luckily it went in,” said Long, who has scored three of the Thorns five goals this season.
Nadine Angerer earned the shutout in her first start of the season for the Thorns.
The Thorns play their first road game of the season at 5:30 p.m. next Saturday when they visit the Chicago Red Stars.
