Comment on Portland Thorns lose opener at North Carolina, 1-0

CARY, N.C. — North Carolina scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute, and the defending National Women’s Soccer League champion Portland Thorns fell 1-0 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams. Midfielder Debinha notched the game-winning goal in front of 4,210 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Receiving a pass near the edge of the box from midfielder Denise O’Sullivan, Debinha delivered a powerful strike into the top, right corner of the goal. Portland goalkeeper Adrianna Franch made a critical stop near the end of the opening 45 minutes to keep the match scoreless. Diving to her right, Franch reacted to quickly to stop a diving header from North Carolina forward Jessica McDonald in the 37th minute. This was the first time since 2013 that Portland lost in a season opener.