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NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update: July 5, 2018

July 5, 2018 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC return to Providence Park for the first of back-to-back home matches, starting with a match on Friday, July 6, presented by Alaska Airlines, against Utah Royals FC. The July 6 match kicks off at 8 p.m. (Pacific) and features a live web stream available at www.go90.com and on the go90 app.

Recent form

With nine games remaining in the regular season, Thorns FC (5-5-5, 20pts) currently sit just two points out of playoff position with just three points separating second place and sixth place in the NWSL standings. Portland played twice last week, picking up a 1-1 draw against Sky Blue FC on June 27 before falling to Seattle Reign FC 1-0 on June 30. Forward Hayley Raso made her first start of the 2018 season, while midfielder Midge Purce returned to action, logging 17 minutes as a substitute in her first appearance since May 30.

On the attack

As a team, Portland ranks fourth in goals scored (20) this season and has tallied at least one goal in all seven of its previous home matches. Entering Friday's match, Thorns FC have scored in 26 consecutive home matches, which is the longest active streak in the NWSL. Portland has tallied a league-best 58 goals at home over the past three seasons with forward Christine Sinclair recording 14 of those goals during that stretch.

Against Utah

Friday's match marks the third meeting all-time between Utah and Portland. Thorns FC have posted a mark of 1-0-1 in the two previous meetings against Utah. In the last match between the two sides at Providence Park, Portland recorded a 2-0 win on May 25. Sinclair opened the scoring for Thorns FC in the 18th minute, while midfielder Lindsey Horan added Portland's second goal in the 39th minute to secure the victory. In two matches against Utah this season, Portland has conceded just one goal, while surrendering just four shots on target during that stretch.

Scouting Utah

Royals FC (5-3-6, 21pts) visit Portland after back-to-back home matches, earning a 3-1 win against Sky Blue FC on June 30 behind a brace from Katie Stengel and a 0-0 draw with Seattle Reign FC on June 27. Utah recently acquired forward Christen Press in a trade with the Chicago Red Stars, and Press has tallied a goal and an assist in two games since joining the club. Stengel is Utah's top scorer with three goals, while Brittany Ratcliffe and Diana Matheson have each tallied a pair of goals. As a team, Royals FC have the second-best defense in the league, surrendering just 11 goals.

Next match

Remaining at home, Thorns FC square off against the Houston Dash on Sunday, July 15, at Providence Park. The July 15 match kicks off at 8 p.m. (Pacific) and features a live web stream available at www.go90.com and on the go90 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.

Check out the Portland Thorns FC Statistics



National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 5, 2018


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