Portland Thorns posted a new record attendance for the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) when 25,218 fans witnessed their 2-1 victory over North Carolina Courage.
Thorns conceded an early goal to Crystal Dunn before two own-goals handed them victory, the second going in off Courage captain Abby Erceg.
Two own goals by @TheNCCourage. 1️⃣0️⃣ @ADizzle23 saves. Victory for @ThornsFC.
Recap #PORvNC in 60 seconds. pic.twitter.com/DcintxDffd
— NWSL (@NWSL) August 11, 2019
Sunday’s match was the first sellout for Thorns following the recent addition of more than 4,000 new seats, reports the club’s website.
The attendance surpassed the previous record of 23,403 fans set by Orlando Pride in 2016 but is second in the history of U.S. women’s pro soccer to the 34,148 who saw 2001’s inaugural WUSA match between Washington Freedom and Bay Area CyberRays.