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NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update: August 21, 2018

August 21, 2018 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Facing a quick turnaround, Portland Thorns FC play host to Sky Blue FC in a midweek match, presented by Free Public, on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Providence Park; kickoff is set for 8 p.m. (Pacific) and the match features a live web stream available at www.nwslsoccer.com and on the NWSL app. Thorns FC will then travel to the East Coast for a match against the Washington Spirit on Saturday, Aug. 25, at Audi Field. The Aug. 25 match is the featured NWSL Game of the Week on ESPNEWS at 5 p.m. (Pacific).

Recent form

Portland (9-6-6, 33pts) is unbeaten in its last four home matches (2-0-2) and has earned at least one point (4-1-1) in five of its last six matches overall. In their last match, Thorns FC rallied from a two-goal deficit early in the second half to secure a point in a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Red Stars on Aug. 18 at Providence Park. Midfielder Tobin Heath notched her fourth goal of the season and added her sixth assist, which is tied for the NWSL lead, while Christine Sinclair scored her eighth goal of the season.

Playoff picture

Heading into the final three weeks of the season, just four points separate third place and seventh place in the NWSL standings. Thorns FC currently sit in third place with 33 points. Portland has a two-point lead over Chicago (31pts) and a three-point advantage over the Orlando Pride (30pts) in fifth place. Utah Royals FC and the Houston Dash sit just outside the top four each with 29 points. Notably, Thorns FC hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with Chicago, Orlando, Utah and Houston.

Against Sky Blue FC

Wednesday's match marks the third meeting of the 2018 season between Sky Blue FC and Portland. Thorns FC are 1-0-1 against Sky Blue FC (0-14-5, 5pts) this season, including a 2-1 win on the road on July 21. Hayley Raso tallied her first goal of the season in the win, while Ana Crnogorcevic scored the game-winner. In the last meeting at Providence Park, Lindsey Horan scored at the end of the first half for Portland, but Sky Blue FC leveled the match with a second-half penalty kick in a 1-1 draw on June 27.

Against Washington

Portland travels to square off against the Spirit (2-15-,4 10pts) for a second time on the road this season. Thorns FC and Washington played to a 1-1 draw at Providence Park on April 20 and Portland earned a 1-0 win on the road on May 19 as Ellie Carpenter tallied the game-winner in the second half. Thorns FC are 8-2-5 all-time against Washington with a mark of 3-2-2 on the road. In addition, Portland has earned at least one point in its last four matches (3-0-1) against the Spirit.

Next match

After a league-wide break for international matches, Thorns FC return to Providence Park to play host to Seattle Reign FC on Friday, Sept. 7, in the club's regular-season finale. The Sept. 7 match is the featured NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime at 7 p.m. (Pacific).

TEAM NEWS

Join the official viewing party Saturday at the Thirsty Monk

Fans are invited to attend the club's official viewing party to watch Saturday's Thorns FC match against the Washington Spirit at the Thirsty Monk (1522 SE 32nd Ave.). The viewing party begins at 5 p.m. and is open to fans of all ages until 9 p.m. (Pacific).

Also, new in 2018 is the official Pub Party Passport. Pick up your passport at any official viewing party and get a stamp at every party you attend this season. With each stamp you will be entered to win a VIP matchday experience for four at our regular-season home finale on Sept. 7 at Providence Park.

Thorns FC announce collaboration with local fashion company Wildfang

Portland Thorns FC announced the launch of a five-piece, limited-edition merchandise collection in partnership with local fashion company Wildfang. Thorns FC players and fans were involved in the design of the collection, which celebrates the club's values of unity, inclusiveness and equality.

The five-product collection includes a crew-neck sweatshirt, two t-shirts, a coffee mug and a three-piece pin set. Ten percent of proceeds from every piece sold will go to New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit organization chosen by Thorns FC players and dedicated to ending youth homelessness. Wildfang's collaboration with Thorns FC marks the first time the Portland-based fashion company has partnered with a professional sports team.

The collection is available now at www.shopthornsfc.com and in-person at Wildfang's flagship store (404 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97205). It also will be available at the Thorns FC Team Store at Providence Park on match days.

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.

Check out the Portland Thorns FC Statistics



National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 21, 2018


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