NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update: August 16, 2018

Published on August 16, 2018 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Following three consecutive road matches, Portland Thorns FC return to Providence Park to play host to the Chicago Red Stars, presented by Providence Sports Medicine, on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific). The match will feature a national television broadcast on ESPNEWS.

Recent form

Portland (9-6-5, 32pts) has won four of its last five matches, including its last two games at Providence Park. In their last five matches, Thorns FC have outscored their opponents 12-4, while also recording a pair of shutouts. During that span, Ana Crnogorcevic has three goals and one assist, Tobin Heath has tallied three assists and a goal, while Hayley Raso has two goals and an assist. Thorns FC currently sit in third place in the NWSL standings with a two-point lead over Chicago and the Orlando Pride, which are tied for fourth place. Portland holds the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Pride, and with a win or draw against the Red Stars would secure the tiebreaker in their season series.

Golden Boot race

Lindsey Horan currently leads the race for top scorer in the NWSL after tallying her 11th goal of the season in Portland's 2-0 win on the road against the Orlando Pride on Aug. 11. With the goal, Horan has now scored in her last four matches, while also scoring eight goals in her last 10 matches for Thorns FC. Horan can set new single-season club records for goals and points with her next goal for Portland.

Against Chicago

Saturday's match marks the third meeting between Portland and Chicago in 2018. Thorns FC posted a mark of 1-0-1 in the first two meetings, including a 3-2 road win on March 31 and a 1-1 draw on June 16. Portland is unbeaten in its last 13 matches against Chicago, including three straight wins against the Red Stars at Providence Park. Notably, Christine Sinclair has nine goals in 15 career matches against Chicago, while Horan has two goals in the two previous meetings this season.

Scouting the Red Stars

Chicago wraps up the season by playing four of its last five games on the road. The Red Stars face a quick turnaround after playing to a 0-0 draw against Seattle Reign FC on Aug. 15 in their first of four straight road games. As a team, Chicago ranks fourth in the NWSL in goals (27) and are led by Australian international Sam Kerr, who ranks second in the NWSL with 10 goals this season. Yuki Nagasato provides another scoring threat with four goals and her five assists, which is tied for the third most in league in 2018.

Next match

Thorns FC remain at home for a midweek match against Sky Blue FC on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Providence Park. The Aug. 22 match kicks off at 8 p.m. (Pacific) and features a live web stream available at www.nwslsoccer.com and on the NWSL app.

Tickets on sale for 2018 NWSL Championship match at Providence Park

Tickets are on sale now for the 2018 NWSL Championship match at Providence Park on Sept. 22. The championship match will feature a national television broadcast on Lifetime at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Fans can purchase tickets by calling (888) 736-6849 or online at www.thornsfc.com. In addition, fans are able to purchase tickets at the Providence Park box office. The Providence Park box office is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Tickets will be held for fans of both participating teams and be made available once the teams are set.

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