PORTLAND, Ore. — Hannah Betfort and Mina Tanaka scored three minutes apart early in the second half to give the Utah Royals a 2-1 victory over the Thorns at Portland’s Providence Park.
Olivia Moultrie converted a penalty kick in the 53rd minute to narrow the gap for the Thorns, who are winless in their last seven matches. Portland’s last win came on July 5 before the leaguewide break for the Olympics.
Portland (8-11-4) remained above the playoff line in seventh place in the standings with three games remaining.
The Royals (6-14-3) still have a slim shot at making the playoffs.
Betfort sent the ball over the head of Thorns goalkeeper Shelby Hogan and into the net in the 47th minute. Tanaka scored on a rebound in the 50th.
The Thorns were without top scorer Sophia Smith, who has an ankle injury that has kept her out of the last three league games. Midfielder Hina Sugita also remained out with a facial injury.
