This past weekend, former two-time NWSL champs Portland Thorns FC defeated the number 5 seed Kansas City Current in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League Championship at Audi Field in Washington D.C.
An early goal by regular-season MVP forward Sophia Smith and an own goal initiated by midfielder Yazmeen Ryan put the Thorns forward by the 57th minute, with KC captain Desiree Scott and her squad unable to make a comeback in regular time.
A three-day experience for fans, media, and players alike, this weekend brought together Black players and sports personnel from across the league to one of the biggest weekend’s in women’s soccer, which featured the first NWSL Championship game on primetime TV on CBS.
Here are some of the Shea Butter Excellence/Superlatives from Saturday:
Sophia Smith (Shea Butter Bomb of the Match)
Named the 2022 NWSL Most Valuable Player, Smith finished her breakout professional season on a high note. A through ball from Delegate Yazmeen Ryan reached Smith’s feet, taking Elizabeth Ball and AD Franch on 1-v-1 within a six-second span to put the Thorns up by one in the fourth minute of play. Smith became the second NWSL player to win league MVP and score in an NWSL Championship in the same season (according to OptaJack), first done by Delegate Lynn Williams in 2016; She is also the youngest championship MVP in the league’s ten-year history.
Despite outside opinions, Smith says her goal celebration had no connection to Michael Jordan. Instead, it might have alluded to people questioning her regular-season MVP honors.
Yazmeen Ryan (Shea Butter Dime of the Match)
Ryan was crucial to the build-up processes for Smith’s goal and an own goal in the 56th minute, where her cross forced a deflection by a Kansas City defender into their net and out of Franch’s hands. Coming into the postseason, Ryan had five regular season assists, tied for third on the assist leaders board.
AD Franch (Shea Butter Scurry Moments of the Match)
Despite the upset, the 2022 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist came up big on several occasions, especially during the second half. Saves in the 58th, 59th, and 71st minute from long range kept her squad in champion contention.
Just after the closing of the 2022 season, Franch was called up to the USWNT roster for the upcoming November Friendlies versus Germany. It is her first call-up to the team since October 2021.
Elizabeth Ball, Kristen Edmonds, Addisyn Merrick (Shea Butter Bricks of the Match)
Centerbacks Ball and Edmonds alongside outside back Merrick worked well on their three-person backline to distribute to their wingers, where passing distributions were the most effective for midfielders and forwards to counter-attack.
Desiree Scott (Shea Butter Stuntin’ of the Match)
One of the most underrated defensive midfielders in the league, Scott was the anchor for the Kansas City squad in terms of transitioning with the offensive and defensive lines through patience, creativity, and leading the way in the attacking third.
Delegate Game-Changers: Elyse Bennett came in for Kansas City around the 63rd minute and Crystal Dunn came in for the Thorns in the 73rd minute. Fresh legs rejuvenated for the offensive transitions on both sides, where both Bennett and Dunn specifically set up plays and had chances on goal.
