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VIDEO: Sophia Smith nets a brace, but USWNT star and Portland Thorns fall short in nine-goal thriller vs KC Current at CPKC Stadium

Smith scored two genuinely stunning goals for the Thorns, finding the back of the net in the 43rd and 74th minutes of the match. Her season-opener was a stunner from outside the 18-yard-box and she followed it up with a brilliant finish from a tight angle with just over 15 minutes to spare in the match.However, the Current were unstoppable on the day, with five-different scorers leading them to victory as they debuted the first-ever women's soccer-specific CPKC Stadium in front of their fans.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sophia Smith's first NWSL goal of 2024 is a beauty! <a href="https://t.co/dj9fSPuso1">pic.twitter.com/dj9fSPuso1</a>— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1769058569838793169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">She can score from any angle 📐 Sophia Smith gets her second of the day! <a href="https://t.co/NTPTkqqBtb">pic.twitter.com/NTPTkqqBtb</a>— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1769073751403237654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WATCH THE CLIP

Smith lined up centrally for the Thorns in the striker position, and was absolutely clinical in the role. On the international stage, USWNT interim boss Twila Kilgore has opted to implement her in a wider role of late, and she has struggled to maintain her spot in the starting XI as a result.However, her success at the club level to start the season is brilliant news for Emma Hayes and co. as the U.S. prepares for the summer Paris Olympics. With no XI nailed down yet, Smith could now be a shout for the USWNT in a more central role if she continues to score at the club level there.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Game two of the NWSL season isn't going to be any easier for the Thorns, as they'll take on reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC on Saturday, February 24. The Bats will open their campaign with the match, as Portland play host in the highly-anticipated match.

WHAT NEXT FOR SMITH AND THE THORNS?

VIDEO: Sophia Smith nets a brace, but USWNT star and Portland Thorns fall short in nine-goal thriller vs KC Current at CPKC Stadium | Goal.com Kenya

At the grand-opening of CPKC stadium, fans were treated with a nine-goal thriller, while Sophia Smith net a brace in Portland&apos;s defeat.