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

Sophia Smith can’t seem to catch a break from making headlines with her stellar performances. Moments ago, the USWNT starlet helped the Portland Thorns clinch an emphatic win against Bay FC in a five-goal thriller, courtesy of her brace. In fact, beyond the three crucial points, Smith also managed to help her side clinch yet another NWSL record. 

As reported by the renowned stats-based platform, OptaJack, on X, Portland Thorns have netted two goals within the first seven minutes of a regular-season NWSL match on over 4 occasions. This tally equals the combined total of all other teams in the league, none of whom have achieved this feat more than once. This is quite a remarkable number that Thorns have registered in the NWSL. Notably, the record was achieved by Rob Gale’s side in just under 10 minutes against Bay FC. 

Payton Elizabeth Linnehan broke the deadlock for Thorns in 2 minutes, with 5 minutes later, Sophia Smith adding the second. Bay wasn’t keen to end the first half without scoring as record-signing Rachael Kundananji denied the away side’s clean-sheet dream. Interestingly, the hour mark saw Bay level against Thorns, thanks to a strike from Deyna Castellanos. However, minutes later, Smith came to silence the home crowd to put the game to bed. 

PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 02: Sophia Smith #9 of the Portland Thorns looks on during the first half against the OL Reign at Providence Park on April 02, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

With this win, the Thorns have 10 points in their hands, taking fifth place in the NWSL table. Perhaps if Smith and Co. keep up with such groundbreaking performances then there is no stopping them from taking the top spot. Meanwhile, this isn’t the only record Smith has achieved since the start of the domestic tournament. 

Sophia Smith keeps her record-breaking heroics alive

Yesterday’s brace propelled Sophia Smith to the top of the NWSL scoring charts, with 7 goals to her name. Additionally, she is making strides in the assists department, currently tallying 3. However, her historic achievements extend beyond goal-scoring records. During last week’s 4-1 victory over the Houston Dash, Smith notched her 40th goal and 10th assist, making her the youngest player to reach 50 goal contributions across all competitions. 

FILE PHOTO: Oct 29, 2022; Washington, D.C., USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) dribbles the ball past Kansas City Current goalkeeper Adrianna Franch (21) before scoring a goal in the first half during the NWSL championship game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

At 23 years and 254 days old, Smith surpassed Chelsea star Sam Kerr, who achieved this milestone at 23 years and 308 days in 2017 while playing for Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Clearly, Smith’s remarkable performance justifies her status as the highest-paid player in the NWSL. Nevertheless, she will strive to maintain high standards throughout the remainder of the calendar year, with plenty at stake for her to pursue.

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