Kelli Hubly’s Portland Thorns Heroics Got Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Seal of Approval Despite NWSL Rivalry

Portland Thorns curtained their NWSL Matchday 9 on a high note, securing an emphatic 4-0 victory against Seattle Reign FC. However, stealing the spotlight of the match was the outstanding touchline heroics of their star defender, Kelli Hubly. While fans showered praise on her remarkable display, it even caught the attention of Alexis Ohanian, prompting Serena Williams‘ husband to deliver a succinct five-word response.

The Reddit founder shared a reel on his Instagram story, posted by Off Season, a venture of Ohanian as well as USWNT star Midge Purce. In the clip, Hubly was reacting to her acrobatic touchline save that helped to maintain Thorns’ clean sheet. Aside from sharing her interview, the American entrepreneur wrote a caption saying, “Not all heroes wear capes? @kellihubly @offseasonfc.” 

It seems Ohanian is in awe of the save she made. As of now, Hubly hasn’t responded to Serena Williams’ husband. However, we reckon that she would be pleased to hear such praise coming from her team’s rival owner of Angel City. Interestingly, Hubly said, “When I was falling into the goal, I was worried it was going in the goal, so I was looking through the net like, ‘Please don’t go in.’ And then I stayed out and I was happy to put my body on the line for the team like everyone else always puts.”

Notably, during the injury time of the first half, Seattle was awarded a free-kick to level Thorns’ only goal. While Ji So-yun delivered a perfect ball to Jess Fishlock, GK Shelby Hogan came to punch the ball. A rebound header was about to go in goal until Hubly surprised everyone with her heroics. Interestingly, she wasn’t alone as another Thorns star etched her name in the history books. 

Sophia Smith breaks another emphatic NWSL record!

At 23 years and 9 months, Sophia Smith has made history by becoming the youngest player to score 40 regular-season goals in the NWSL. Aside from this milestone, she also provided a hat trick of assists in the game. In addition to setting up Olivia Moultrie’s first-half goal, Sophia doubled her team’s lead in the 80th minute from the penalty spot. The match concluded with both Hina Sugita and Payton Elizabeth Linnehan adding to the scoresheet in injury time.

Remarkably, this is not the only milestone Smith has reached this season. In the Thorns’ 4-1 victory against the Houston Dash on Matchday 5, she scored her 40th goal and provided her 10th assist, solidifying her position as the youngest player to achieve 50 goal contributions across all competitions, at the age of 23 years and 254 days, overtaking Chelsea star Sam Kerr, who achieved this feat at 23 years and 308 days in 2017.

It seems this season’s NWSL is all about record-breaking performances.