In their highly anticipated season opener at Providence Park, the Vancouver Victory Women’s Team showcased resilience and potential in their inaugural Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) match, despite a 3-0 loss to the Portland Thorns II. The scoreline doesn’t fully capture the determination and defensive strength displayed by Vancouver, especially against a formidable opponent featuring NCAA Division 1 players and commits.

First Half: Defensive Grit and a Late Breakthrough

>From the outset, Vancouver demonstrated a disciplined and cohesive defensive strategy. The back line, facing a potent Thorns attack, was an absolute standout. Time and again, they thwarted advances and maintained a structured defense. Goalkeeper Jessie Selby,
a standout from NAIA Southern Oregon University, delivered an exceptional performance, making numerous key saves to keep her team in contention.

Matisyn Ohlson (Northwest Nazarene University, NCAA DII) and Valeria Castro (Multnomah University, NAIA) were solid on the outside, consistently disrupting Portland’s wingers. In the center, Maria Lopes (Pacific University, NCAA DIII) and Taylor Hallquist (Western
Washington University, NCAA DII) provided strong leadership and communication.

The Thorns managed to break through just before halftime, scoring in the 43rd minute. Despite this setback, Vancouver’s defense had already shown they could stand their ground against top-level competition.

Second Half: Continued Resilience and Learning Moments

Entering the second half with determination, Vancouver continued to battle. The Thorns added to their lead with a goal in the 50th minute, but Vancouver’s back line remained resilient, absorbing pressure and preventing further immediate damage. Jessie Selby’s heroics in goal continued to inspire her teammates.

As the game neared its conclusion, the Thorns scored their third goal in the 90th minute, sealing the victory. Despite the final score, Vancouver’s ability to compete against a team stacked with Division 1 talent was evident.

Positive Takeaways and Looking Ahead

While the 3-0 loss was not the desired outcome, the Vancouver Victory Women’s Team can draw many positives from this match. Their defensive unit, in particular, proved they could hold their own against some of the best collegiate-level players. This performance lays a solid foundation for the rest of the season, showing that the team has the potential to grow and improve with each game.

The Victory will use this experience to build cohesion and sharpen some things as they prepare for their next match. Fans and supporters should remain optimistic, as the team has already demonstrated significant promise and determination in their debut outing. The season ahead is filled with opportunities for growth and success, and Vancouver is poised to make their mark in the WPSL.