NWSL roundup: Sophia Smith scores twice as Thorns beat Red Stars

Sophia Smith scored both goals to lead the Portland Thorns to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night at Bridgeview, Ill.

Smith scored her goals in the 10th and 26th minutes to raise her season total to a league-leading five. Hina Sugita and Christine Sinclair had assists for the Thorns (2-3-1, seven points).

Mallory Swanson had a chance to score in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time for Chicago (3-2-1, 10 points), but her free kick was tipped over the crossbar by Portland goalkeeper Shelby Hogan.

Janine Beckie of the Thorns had a goal taken away in the 79th minute as a video review displayed the ball glanced off the forearm of Smith.

North Carolina Courage 1, Seattle Reign FC 0

Tyler Lussi scored in the 37th minute at Cary, N.C., as North Carolina won for the third time in the past four games.

Ashley Sanchez delivered the cross from the left to set up Lussi, who easily knocked the ball past Seattle goalkeeper Laurel Ivory.

Casey Murphy had seven saves for the Courage (4-2-0, 12 points). Ivory had three stops for the Reign (1-5-0, 3 points).

Utah Royals FC 0, Houston Dash 0

Paige Nielsen recorded four saves to help Houston notch the tie at Sandy, Utah.

Amandine Henry made just one save for Utah (1-4-1, 4 points). The Royals had an 11-7 edge in shots and placed seven on target.

Houston (1-3-2, 5 points) put five shots on target.

--Field Level Media