Forward Sophia Wilson and defender Marie Müller make their anticipated returns to the pitch.
PORTLAND, Ore. (Friday, March 6, 2025) – The Portland Thorns put on a dominant 5-1 display against C.F. Monterrey on Friday night at Providence Park for its final preseason contest ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.
The Thorns would take the pitch with a rotated lineup featuring defender Sam Hiatt as captain and numerous trialists on the starting lineup, including newcomer defender Molly McDougal as well as midfielder Jenni Immethun, midfielder Renee Lyles and forward Farrah Walters, the latter three remaining on the roster after the Coachella Valley Invitational last month.
Early on, the Thorns set the pace and immediately applied offensive pressure against Monterrey’s backline. Forward Alexa Spaanstra would draw a penalty in favor in the opening 10 minutes, stepping up to put the ball into the back of the net from the spot to break the deadlock.
From there, the goals did not stop for Portland as defender M.A.Vignola set up the next two goals for Lyles in the 22’ and 31’ respectively, giving the Georgia native her first experience of scoring at Providence Park.
While Monterrey forward Diana Evangelista would get one back following a deflection off the Thorns crossbar, Portland would respond minutes later with a series of goals again. Spaasntra’s deep cross would find defender Mallie McKenzie who struck the ball into the goal in the 42’ and Vignola would once again send a cross in to connect with Lyles who scored a third to secure her hat trick in the final moments of the first half.
After the break, the Thorns made several substitutions that included the highly anticipated returns of both defender Marie Müller and forward Sophia Wilson to the pitch which were met by a roar of cheers by those in attendance at Providence Park. It is the first time that both Wilson and Müller — who were both listed back on the active roster on Thursday — have seen game action for the Thorns since the playoff quarterfinal against Gotham FC in November 2024.
Midfielder Tatum Thomason and forward Taylor Bryan, both trialists, made appearances in the second half to get their first ever professional playing experience at Providence Park and Thorns Academy defender Lilly Yakel made her return to the squad since her first appearance with the team last summer in an exhibition win against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds (3-2 penalty win after 1-1 regulation draw).
While the Thorns did not score in the second half, the Thorns continued to dominate play on the field and close out preseason preparations with a convincing win that will serve to boost confidence ahead of next Friday’s NWSL season opener at Washington Spirit.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns will head to Washington D.C. to face the Washington Spirit at Audi Field for a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Semifinal on Friday, March 13. Kickoff on Prime Video is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
POR – Alexa Spaanstra (Penalty) 11’
POR – Renee Lyles (M.A. Vignola) 22’
POR – Renee Lyles (M.A. Vignola) 31’
MTY – Diana Evangelista 36’
POR – Mallie McKenzie (Alexa Spaanstra) 42’
POR – Renee Lyles (M.A. Vignola) 45+2’
Second Half
N/A
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-3-3): Morgan Messner (GK), M.A. Vignola (Marie Müller 75’), Molly McDougal (Lilly Yakel 75’), Sam Hiatt-C, Mallie McKenzie, Jennie Immethun, Cassandra Bogere (Tatum Thomason 59’), Renee Lyles, Alexa Spaanstra, Maddie Padelski (Sophia Wilson 75’), Farrah Walters (Taylor Bryan 75’)
Subs not used: Erin McKinney (GK), Jessica Berlin (GK), Lily Boyden, Laila Booker, Bella Yakel, Jordyn Heathcock, Enasi Colon, Aaliyah Johnson
C.F. Monterrey (4-4-2): Pamela Tajonar-C (GK), Samantha Simental (Ana Vazquez 64’), Daiane (Reyna Treviño), Tanna Sanchez, Allison Veloz (Alejandra Lua 46’), Ashlyn Fernandez, Marisa Almada (Daniela Monroy 64’), Mayte Sanchez (Miranda Solia 64’), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Lucia Garcia 64’), Diana Evangelista, Christina Burkenroad (Emily Gielnik 64’)
Subs not used: Dasha Diaz
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: N/A
MTY: N/A
Forward Sophia Wilson and defender Marie Müller make their anticipated returns to the pitch.
PORTLAND, Ore. (Friday, March 6, 2025) – The Portland Thorns put on a dominant 5-1 display against C.F. Monterrey on Friday night at Providence Park for its final preseason contest ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.
The Thorns would take the pitch with a rotated lineup featuring defender Sam Hiatt as captain and numerous trialists on the starting lineup, including newcomer defender Molly McDougal as well as midfielder Jenni Immethun, midfielder Renee Lyles and forward Farrah Walters, the latter three remaining on the roster after the Coachella Valley Invitational last month.
Early on, the Thorns set the pace and immediately applied offensive pressure against Monterrey’s backline. Forward Alexa Spaanstra would draw a penalty in favor in the opening 10 minutes, stepping up to put the ball into the back of the net from the spot to break the deadlock.
From there, the goals did not stop for Portland as defender M.A.Vignola set up the next two goals for Lyles in the 22’ and 31’ respectively, giving the Georgia native her first experience of scoring at Providence Park.
While Monterrey forward Diana Evangelista would get one back following a deflection off the Thorns crossbar, Portland would respond minutes later with a series of goals again. Spaasntra’s deep cross would find defender Mallie McKenzie who struck the ball into the goal in the 42’ and Vignola would once again send a cross in to connect with Lyles who scored a third to secure her hat trick in the final moments of the first half.
After the break, the Thorns made several substitutions that included the highly anticipated returns of both defender Marie Müller and forward Sophia Wilson to the pitch which were met by a roar of cheers by those in attendance at Providence Park. It is the first time that both Wilson and Müller — who were both listed back on the active roster on Thursday — have seen game action for the Thorns since the playoff quarterfinal against Gotham FC in November 2024.
Midfielder Tatum Thomason and forward Taylor Bryan, both trialists, made appearances in the second half to get their first ever professional playing experience at Providence Park and Thorns Academy defender Lilly Yakel made her return to the squad since her first appearance with the team last summer in an exhibition win against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds (3-2 penalty win after 1-1 regulation draw).
While the Thorns did not score in the second half, the Thorns continued to dominate play on the field and close out preseason preparations with a convincing win that will serve to boost confidence ahead of next Friday’s NWSL season opener at Washington Spirit.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns will head to Washington D.C. to face the Washington Spirit at Audi Field for a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Semifinal on Friday, March 13. Kickoff on Prime Video is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
POR – Alexa Spaanstra (Penalty) 11’
POR – Renee Lyles (M.A. Vignola) 22’
POR – Renee Lyles (M.A. Vignola) 31’
MTY – Diana Evangelista 36’
POR – Mallie McKenzie (Alexa Spaanstra) 42’
POR – Renee Lyles (M.A. Vignola) 45+2’
Second Half
N/A
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-3-3): Morgan Messner (GK), M.A. Vignola (Marie Müller 75’), Molly McDougal (Lilly Yakel 75’), Sam Hiatt-C, Mallie McKenzie, Jennie Immethun, Cassandra Bogere (Tatum Thomason 59’), Renee Lyles, Alexa Spaanstra, Maddie Padelski (Sophia Wilson 75’), Farrah Walters (Taylor Bryan 75’)
Subs not used: Erin McKinney (GK), Jessica Berlin (GK), Lily Boyden, Laila Booker, Bella Yakel, Jordyn Heathcock, Enasi Colon, Aaliyah Johnson
C.F. Monterrey (4-4-2): Pamela Tajonar-C (GK), Samantha Simental (Ana Vazquez 64’), Daiane (Reyna Treviño), Tanna Sanchez, Allison Veloz (Alejandra Lua 46’), Ashlyn Fernandez, Marisa Almada (Daniela Monroy 64’), Mayte Sanchez (Miranda Solia 64’), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Lucia Garcia 64’), Diana Evangelista, Christina Burkenroad (Emily Gielnik 64’)
Subs not used: Dasha Diaz
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: N/A
MTY: N/A
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