Aussies Raso and Sykes win NWSL championship with Portland

Australia's Hayley Raso and Ashleigh Sykes have tasted National Women's Soccer League championship glory after their side Portland Thorns took out the title with a 1-0 win against NC Courage.

Portland Thorns took out their second NWSL championship Source: Twitter (@ThornsFC)

Lindsey Horan's 49th-minute strike led the Portland Thorns to their second NWSL title after a hard fought clash in Orlando.

The US national team midfielder found herself unmarked at the back post off a set-piece after the ball slipped through the box, with Horan slamming home a half-volley from close range at Orlando City Stadium.

Portland, which previously won the title in the league's inaugural 2013 campaign, topped the NWSL Shield-winning Courage in a matchup of the top two teams from the regular season.

Raso in particular had been a key part of  the west-coast side's drive to the championship, with her 6 goals and consistent performances earning her the Fan's Player of the Year.

She had a combative game up front for the Thorns, earning a yellow card for a late challenge, before being subbed in the 69th minute.

Sykes was also a regular member of the first team, often playing a bit deeper than Raso and fashioning chances for others. The midfielder found herself on the score sheet in a recent match against the Chicago Red Stars to ensurethe Thorns would make it through to the play-offs.