Reilyn Turner lifts Thorns into semis with 1-0 win over Wave

Field Level Media
10 Nov 2025, 05:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)

Reilyn Turner scored in the fourth minute of extra time to lead the host Portland Thorns to a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Wave in the quarterfinals of the NWSL playoffs on Sunday afternoon.

Turner, a 23-year-old forward, was left alone by the far right post and headed in a crossing pass from Olivia Moultrie for the game-winner.

Mackenzie Arnold made four saves, including one with her face in the 106th minute on Trinity Armstrong's try from the right edge of the 6-yard box, for the third-seeded Thorns.

Portland will face the No. 2 seed Washington Spirit in the semifinals on Saturday. The Spirit were 3-1 shootout winners over Racing Louisville this weekend.

Kailen Sheridan made five saves for sixth-seeded San Diego.

It was a tight defensive struggle over the first 40 minutes between the two teams, who played a pair of 1-1 draws during the regular season.

Portland had the best scoring chance in the first half when Moultrie attempted a left-footed shot from just outside the right side of the 6-yard box that bounced off the far left post.

San Diego defender Kennedy Wesley then hit the woodwork in the 74th minute with a right-footed shot from outside the box that caromed off the crossbar. Three minutes later, Arnold deflected Kenza Dali's right-footed shot from outside the middle of the box over the crossbar.

The Thorns already own the most NWSL championships with three (2013, 2017, 2022) and are vying to add a fourth to their ledger.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Los Angeles Herald.

More Information