OL Reign forward Sofia Huerta (20) controls the ball as Portland Thorns midfielder Celeste Boureille (30) defends during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
HERRIMAN, Utah (AP) - The Portland Thorns will face top-seeded North Carolina in the quarterfinals of the National Women's Soccer League's Challenge Cup after wrapping up the group stage with a scoreless draw with the rival OL Reign on Monday.
The Thorns were winless in the opening round to finish last among the eight teams playing in the tournament, which was wrapping up group stage matches Monday.
Sophia Huerta, acquired by the Reign in the offseason, made her first start and had one of the team's best chances late in the first half. Taylor Smith was open in the 61st minute but her shot went wide.
Portland controlled possession for most of the first half but Reign goalkeeper Michelle Betos saved attempts from both Christine Sinclair and rookie Morgan Weaver. Raquel Rodriguez got a long-range shot from the top of the box in the final minute of regulation but Betos scooped it up.
The Reign saw the return of Jessica Fishlock, who hadn't played since last season because of an ACL injury. She came in as a sub in the 72nd minute.
Lindsey Horan did not play for the Thorns after scoring in the team's last game, a 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit.
All eight teams in the tournament advance to the knockout round. The league's ninth team, the Orlando Pride, was forced to withdraw because of positive COVID-19 tests.
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OL Reign defender Lauren Barnes, on the ground, defends against Portland Thorns FC forward Simone Charley, center, during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Portland Thorns FC midfielder Rocky Rodriguez (11) controls the ball as OL Reign forward Sofia Huerta (20) defends during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium, Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
OL Reign forward Jodie Taylor (9) and Portland Thorns FC defender Kelli Hubly, rear, battle for the ball during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
OL Reign defender Steph Cox, left, battles with Portland Thorns forward Morgan Weaver (22) for a header during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair, left, shouts after missing a shot against the OL Reign during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
OL Reign midfielder Dani Weatherholt (17) and Portland Thorns midfielder Angela Salem (36) battle for the ball during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium, Monday, July 13, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press