Rain gets the better of Shine in women's soccer action

SPOKANE - The Portland Rain had goals from Natalie Meggs in the first half and Ellie Strong in the second half to defeat the Spokane Shine 2-0 and regain the Northwest Division lead in Women's Premier Soccer League play at Joe Albi Stadium on Saturday.

Spokane (2-2-2) outshot Portland (3-1-1) 13-9, but Strong's score on a penalty kick in the 69th minute turned the game.

"I haven't seen us play this poorly since our first week in Eugene," Spokane coach Jason Quintero said. "The Rain came to Spokane with a game plan. They executed their game plan better than we did."

Stephanie Busch had five saves for Spokane, which returns to action July 6 at home vs. Emerald City FC of Seattle at 7:05.

First half - 1, Port, Natalie Meggs (Ellie Boon), 9:00. Second half - 2, Port, Ellie Strong, 69:00.

Shots on goal - Port 9, Spo 13.

Saves - Port, Maddie McNamera 7; Spo, Stephanie Busch 5.