The 2019 NWSL season is underway and although everyone was too caught up on the new season of Game of Thrones, the Portland Thorns were busy upsetting the Orlando Pride in their opener on Sunday night. The Thorns proved to be the favorite after a cheeky performance from USWNT standout Tobin Heath.
Heath’s fancy feet proved to be the difference when she broke a scoreless match in the 45th minute. Her back-heel pass to Caitlin Foord, scoring her first NWSL goal, left the Thorns up by one going into the second half.
Not a bad time for your first @NWSL goal, @CaitlinFoord. #BAONPDX | #ORLvPOR pic.twitter.com/xiekUAadqB
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 14, 2019
As if the back heel was not enough creativity from Tobin Heath, she decided to score a FIFA-like goal in the 48th minute after receiving a cross from Foord, who kindly returned the favor.
The Heath-Foord connection was on point and the skill from Heath helped secure the win for the Thorns.
.@TobinHeath is a real life video game. #BAONPDX | #ORLvPOR | #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/lXLmyiWtnu
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 14, 2019
The Portland Thorns received their three points and are starting their 2019 NWSL season with a clean sheet.
The next time Heath and the Thorns will suit up is on Saturday in a road match against the Chicago Red Stars, where one crafty player, Tobin Heath, will face another, Sam Kerr.
May the Battle of the Cheekiness continue.