Seattle Reign vs Portland Thorns: 4 great moments in the NWSL's best rivalry | OneFootball

The Portland Thorns sit in sixth place in the NWSL, one point and one place above the Seattle Reign. Each side has just one win in their first four games, but both teams will be looking to secure an all-important three points against their biggest rival. This matchup hasn't disappointed viewers in the past. Here are some of the best moments from the NWSL's best rivalry.

4. Portland's four-goal onslaught

The Thorns showed up big in last season's home win at Providence Park against the Reign. Portland sat above Seattle in the table, who had only recorded two wins and seven points at the time. The Thorns capitalized on their rival's poor run of form and hit the back of the net on four different occasions.

The Thorns first goal came just before half time from the youngster Olivia Moultrie. Moultrie's goal was a sensational one touch finish that was fired into the top left of Seattle's goal. Sophia Wilson, formerly Smith, assisted Moultrie, before adding another goal to her own collection via a penalty.

Portland never backed down and scored two more goals in stoppage time, from Hina Sugita and Payton Linnehan, respectively. Seattle Reign recorded three yellow cards, which just added to their frustation on the night, but it was night Thorns players and fans will never forget.

3. Seattle strikes first, but Portland strikes last

Reign 2, Thorns 2 - May 6, 2017

Way back in 2017, Seattle Reign's Jess Fishlock scored a stunning long-range effort in the opening minute of the match. Her first strike was a highlight reel finish, but Fishlock found herself at the center of attention again for the wrong reasons. Her backpass to goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer didn't go according to plan and wound up in the Reign's net for an own goal and tying the game.

Three minutes later, Seattle regained their lead, with a heads up play from Merritt Mathias. Mathias got on the end of a ball from defender Rebekah Stott and fired the Reign back in front. Both Adrianna Franch and Emily Sonnett tried to save the day for the Thorns, but Mathias' shot was too precise to be stopped.

Seattle must have thought that all three points would be going home with them, but Portland's Allie Long had other ideas. In the 82nd minute, Long used her height and sent a header past Kopmeyer to give the Thorns a late equalizer. While both teams fought hard to secure all three points, the rivals drew the game, which was filled with a little bit of everything.