Reilyn Turner’s 94th-Minute Goal Eliminates San Diego Wave FC in NWSL Quarterfinals
Nov, 26 2025
San Diego Wave FC’s 2025 season ended in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday, November 9, 2025, when Portland Thorns FC edged them 1-0 in extra time at Providence Park — a stadium that has become a graveyard for visiting playoff hopefuls. The decisive moment came just four minutes into extra time, when Reilyn Turner, her sixth goal of the year across all NWSL competitions, rose above the defense to head home a cross from Olivia Moultrie. It was the kind of moment that defines postseason soccer: quiet, clinical, and utterly devastating for one side, euphoric for the other.
Domination Without Results
San Diego Wave FC controlled the ball for 62% of the match, launched nine corner kicks, and peppered Portland Thorns FC’s goal with long-range efforts. Yet, for all their pressure, they couldn’t find the back of the net. The best chance came in the 74th minute, when Kennedy Wesley unleashed a thunderous shot from 30 yards out — it clanged off the crossbar. Moments later, Kenza Dali fired another effort that forced a fingertip save from Mackenzie Arnold, Portland’s goalkeeper, who turned in her third straight clean sheet of the playoffs. The stats told one story — San Diego’s dominance — but the scoreboard told another.
Portland’s Defensive Steel
Portland didn’t need to dominate possession. They needed to survive. And they did. The Thorns absorbed wave after wave of San Diego attacks, their backline — anchored by Emily Menges and Sam Coffey — holding firm. Arnold’s point-blank stop on Trinity Armstrong’s late header in the 89th minute was the stuff of legend. That save didn’t just preserve the lead; it shattered San Diego’s belief. Portland’s offense wasn’t flashy, but it was lethal when it mattered. Turner’s bicycle kick attempt in the 63rd minute nearly opened the scoring. Moultrie’s shot in the 44th minute rattled the post. Even Deyna Castellanos came close, her effort brushing the side netting. This wasn’t about fireworks. It was about patience, discipline, and one perfect moment.
A Historic Run for Portland
With this win, Portland Thorns FC advanced to their 10th NWSL semifinal appearance — more than any other team in league history. They’ve now reached the final four for the first time since 2023, and they’ve done it with three consecutive shutouts. That’s not luck. That’s identity. Captain Sam Coffey gathered her team after the final whistle and delivered just three words: “Why not us?” It wasn’t a speech. It was a mantra. And it’s working. The Thorns have weathered storms before — from the 2022 championship run to the midseason roster shakeups in 2024 — and they’re built for this moment.
San Diego’s Heartbreak and Questions
For San Diego Wave FC, the loss stings deeper than most. They entered the playoffs as one of the league’s most consistent teams, boasting a top-three offense and a defense that had held firm in crunch time. Yet, their 14 fouls, nine offsides, and inability to convert 9 corners exposed a troubling pattern: they can move the ball, but not always with purpose. The absence of Alex Morgan from the starting lineup — she came on as a substitute — raised eyebrows. Was it tactical? Injured? The club hasn’t clarified. What’s clear is that San Diego’s window to win a title may be closing. Their core — Kennedy Wesley, Kenza Dali, and Trinity Armstrong — are elite. But without a clinical finisher in big moments, they keep falling just short.
What’s Next: A Road Test Against the Spirit
Portland’s next challenge? A trip to face the Washington Spirit on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Spirit, the No. 2 seed, play in a stadium famously hostile to visitors — and they’ve been on fire since September, winning six of their last seven. Portland will need more than defense to win there. They’ll need Turner to keep scoring, Moultrie to keep delivering, and Arnold to keep making saves. The NWSL semifinals have never been easy, but for Portland, this is familiar territory. For San Diego? This is the painful reality of coming so close, yet falling short.
Behind the Numbers: A Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: San Diego Wave FC 62% – Portland Thorns FC 38%
- Shots: San Diego 18 – Portland 9
- Corners: San Diego 9 – Portland 5
- Fouls: San Diego 14 – Portland 8
- Offsides: San Diego 9 – Portland 0
- Key Saves: Mackenzie Arnold (2), including a point-blank stop in the 89th minute
- Goal: Reilyn Turner, 94th minute (assisted by Olivia Moultrie)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Reilyn Turner’s goal compare to her previous NWSL goals this season?
Turner’s 94th-minute header was her sixth goal across all NWSL competitions in 2025 — matching her total from the entire 2024 season. Unlike her earlier goals, which came from open play or counterattacks, this one was a set-piece-inspired finish, showcasing her aerial dominance. It was also her first playoff goal, making it her most important to date.
Why did San Diego Wave FC struggle to convert their possession into goals?
San Diego’s 62% possession was misleading — much of it came from wide, low-percentage passes rather than penetrating the final third. They committed nine offsides, indicating poor timing in runs, and their final third decision-making was inconsistent. Only two of their 18 shots were on target, and none came from inside the six-yard box, where Portland’s defense was strongest.
What does Portland’s third consecutive clean sheet mean for their championship chances?
Three straight clean sheets in the playoffs is a rare feat — only the 2022 Portland Thorns and 2021 Washington Spirit have done it since the league’s inception. It signals elite defensive cohesion and mental toughness. In knockout soccer, defense wins championships. If Portland can maintain this level against Washington’s high-pressure attack, they’re serious contenders.
Is this the end of San Diego Wave FC’s championship window?
Not necessarily — but it’s narrowing. With key players like Kennedy Wesley and Trinity Armstrong under 25, the core is young. But without a proven finisher in big moments and a clear tactical identity in elimination games, they risk repeating this frustration. The front office will need to address their final-third efficiency before next season’s roster freeze in February.
How does this result compare to Portland’s previous playoff runs?
Portland has reached the semifinals 10 times — more than any other NWSL team — but this is their first time doing so without a single star like Sophia Smith or Tobin Heath starting every game. It’s a sign of depth. In 2022, they won the title with Smith scoring 10 goals. This year, they’re winning with structure, discipline, and Turner’s clutch finishes — proving they can win without relying on one superstar.
What’s the significance of Sam Coffey’s "Why not us?" speech?
Coffey’s three-word message wasn’t just motivational — it was a cultural reset. After years of being the team that "almost" won, this squad is embracing the belief that they deserve to be champions. The phrase echoes Portland’s underdog mentality from 2013, when they were the first NWSL team to win a title. It’s a reminder that legacy isn’t about history — it’s about what you do next.