Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns: Photo Gallery

The Orlando Pride avenged their early season loss to the Portland Thorns by comprehensively beating the defending champions Sunday night, 3-1. After a few nerves at the start and yielding a goal to an unmarked Sophia Smith, the Pride executed their game plan to perfection for most of the last hour, stymying the visitors in the midfield and not allowing them to build up, then taking advantage of their transition opportunities when presented.

It was the Adriana show, as the playmaker produced two goals on the night. The first was on a thunderous free kick following a foul suffered by Julie Doyle and resulting in a yellow card to Portland defender Natalia Kuikka. Her second goal came after receiving a great pass by Ally Watt and wiggling out of a three-defender sandwich to open a shooting lane before tucking it into the inside netting. Messiah Bright rounded out the scoring and regained a share of team scoring lead by smartly sniping a back pass left short and rounding Thorns ‘keeper Bella Bixby from a tight angle.

The team rightly celebrated with the supporters and everyone went home happy. (Well, except for Portland.)

We hope you enjoy these images from a memorable night at Exploria Stadium.