Sophia Smith Sweeps NWSL Checklist After Scoring Brace in Bay FC vs Portland Thorns Clash

Sophia Smith can’t appear to catch a break from making headlines along with her stellar performances. Moments in the past, the USWNT starlet helped the Portland Thorns clinch an emphatic win in opposition to Bay FC in a five-goal thriller, courtesy of her brace. Actually, past the three essential factors, Smith additionally managed to assist her aspect clinch yet one more NWSL report. 

As reported by the renowned stats-based platform, OptaJack, on X, Portland Thorns have netted two targets throughout the first seven minutes of a regular-season NWSL match on over 4 events. This tally equals the mixed complete of all different groups within the league, none of whom have achieved this feat greater than as soon as. That is fairly a exceptional quantity that Thorns have registered within the NWSL. Notably, the report was achieved by Rob Gale’s aspect in slightly below 10 minutes in opposition to Bay FC. 

Payton Elizabeth Linnehan broke the impasse for Thorns in 2 minutes, with 5 minutes later, Sophia Smith including the second. Bay wasn’t eager to finish the primary half with out scoring as record-signing Rachael Kundananji denied the away aspect’s clean-sheet dream. Apparently, the hour mark noticed Bay degree in opposition to Thorns, because of a strike from Deyna Castellanos. Nonetheless, minutes later, Smith got here to silence the house crowd to place the sport to mattress. 

With this win, the Thorns have 10 factors of their palms, taking fifth place within the NWSL desk. Maybe if Smith and Co. sustain with such groundbreaking performances then there isn’t a stopping them from taking the highest spot. In the meantime, this isn’t the one report Smith has achieved for the reason that begin of the home event. 

Sophia Smith retains her record-breaking heroics alive

Yesterday’s brace propelled Sophia Smith to the highest of the NWSL scoring charts, with 7 targets to her identify. Moreover, she is making strides within the assists division, at the moment tallying 3. Nonetheless, her historic achievements lengthen past goal-scoring information. Throughout final week’s 4-1 victory over the Houston Sprint, Smith notched her fortieth purpose and tenth help, making her the youngest player to reach 50 goal contributions across all competitions. 

At 23 years and 254 days previous, Smith surpassed Chelsea star Sam Kerr, who achieved this milestone at 23 years and 308 days in 2017 whereas enjoying for Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Pink Stars. Clearly, Smith’s exceptional efficiency justifies her standing because the highest-paid player in the NWSL. Nonetheless, she’s going to try to keep up excessive requirements all through the rest of the calendar 12 months, with a lot at stake for her to pursue.