Thorns clinch NWSL Shield with win over Sky Blue

Posted September 26, 2016 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

The Portland Thorns clinched the NWSL Shield for the best regular-season record on Sunday night when they beat Sky Blue FC 3-1.

The Thorns went 12-3-5 this season and will host a semifinal match on Oct. 2 against the Western New York Flash. Portland won the league's inaugural championship in 2013.

The Washington Spirit will host the Chicago Red Stars in the other semifinal on Sept. 30.

Portland's Allie Long scored two goals and Lindsey Horan added another in the victory over Sky Blue in New Jersey. The Thorns won four straight games to close out the regular season.

The Seattle Reign defeated the Houston Dash 3-2 on Sunday with both teams already eliminated from the playoffs.

Houston's Kealia Ohai scored her 11th goal of the season to match Flash forward Lynn Williams, but Williams won the league's Golden Boot award with more assists. Carli Lloyd also scored for the Dash.

Manon Melis, Kim Little and Beverly Yanez all scored for the Reign, playing their last match with captain Keelin Winters, who is retiring.

On Saturday, FC Kansas City defeated the Orlando Pride 2-1, the Chicago Red Stars beat the Washington Spirit 3-1 and the Flash downed the Boston Breakers 4-0 to clinch the final playoff spot.

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