The Portland Thorns defied expectations all season but couldn’t find one more bit of magic in Sunday’s NWSL semifinal, falling 2-0 to the Washington Spirit at Audi Field in the nation’s capital.

Gift Monday scored on a counterattack in the 27th minute to book Washington’s spot in the league final for the second straight year. An insurance goal by Croix Bethune in the 83rd minute off a bad pass by Portland’s Sam Hiatt ended any hopes for a Thorns rally.

Two goals were more than enough as the Thorns created few threatening offensive opportunities and saw their season come to a quiet end on the scoresheet.

Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold did her best to keep the team in the match, making six saves as the Thorns’ defense came under pressure throughout.

The Thorns traveled across t

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