The Portland Thorns' 2-1 win over the San Diego Wave yesterday earned them a "trip to the NWSL final next weekend" against the K.C. Current in D.C. The winning goal "set off a wild celebration throughout Providence Park, where 22,035 rabid supporters erupted." Thorns MF Crystal Dunn said, “It’s been a long year, not just for our club but for the whole NWSL. But who’s not fired up to play in the semifinals?” A Thorns spokeswoman said that she was "unsure" if embattled owner Merritt Paulson attended the semifinal. He was "not visible in his usual seat in the owner’s box." Fans, who have been "vocal on social media about Paulson needing to exit, made their frustration clear on Sunday, too." Minutes before the game kicked off, thousands of fans held up “FOR SALE” signs (USA TODAY, 10/23).
The K.C. Current defeated the OL Reign 2-0 in the other semifinal match at Lumen Field, before a crowd of 21,491 (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/23). In just their second year of existence, the Current are "going to play for the championship." The Current were the league’s "last-place team a year ago" (K.C. STAR, 10/23).
