NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on April 18, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


Thorns FC face Seattle Reign FC Sunday in inaugural home match at JELD-WEN Field

PORTLAND, Ore. - After a season-opening 1-1 draw against FC Kansas City on April 13, Portland Thorns FC return to the Rose City for the team's inaugural home match, presented by Providence Health & Services, on Sunday, April 21, against Seattle Reign FC at JELD-WEN Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. (Pacific) with a live radio broadcast on Freedom 970 AM and a high-definition web stream available at www.portlandthornsfc.com.

In the first-ever match of the National Women's Soccer League on April 13, Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair scored the team's first-ever goal, a game-tying penalty kick in the 67th minute, to help guide the team to a share of the points in its first road game. Forward Alex Morgan attempted a team-high three shots, while goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc recorded two saves as Thorns FC held FC Kansas City to just three shots in the second half.

Sunday's match could feature eight players from the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team side that captured the championship at the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile. Representing Portland, Morgan, Nikki Washington, Nikki Marshall and Becky Edwards all starred for the U-20 Women's National Team in 2008. Seattle's Elli Reed, Kiersten Dallstream, Keelin Winters and Christine Nairn were also members of the championship-winning side. All, minus Dallstream, started in a 2-1 win against North Korea in the final.

Seattle earned a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars in its season-opening match on April 14, despite being held to just one shot on goal. Nairn scored the go-ahead goal for Seattle in the 10th minute, but the Red Stars answered through a Lori Chalupny volley in the 25th minute.

Sunday's match is the first of four meetings between the Pacific Northwest rivals during the 2013 NWSL season. Thorns FC travel to face Seattle on May 25 and Aug. 17, while Reign FC make a second trip to Portland on June 16.

Thorns FC head out for the first of three straight road games on Saturday, April 27, against the Chicago Red Stars at Benedictine Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Pacific).

TEAM NEWS

NWSL and FOX Sports Media Group announce partnership for television rights

The NWSL and FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) announced today a one-year agreement to televise nine games during the NWSL's inaugural season. As part of the agreement, FSMG will air six regular-season matches and all three playoff matches, which include the two semifinal games on August 24 and 25, and the championship game on August 31.

Beginning July 8, FOX Soccer will televise one game per week over the final six weeks of the season, leading up to the NWSL Playoffs. The schedule will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Thorns FC announce broadcast details for the 2013 NWSL season

All 11 of Thorns FC's NWSL home matches this season will be broadcast on Freedom 970 AM and all 22 matches will be available via live web stream at www.portlandthornsfc.com .

All NWSL home teams will provide live streaming video of their matches, which will be made available on www.portlandthornsfc.com for the club's home and away games. All games at JELD-WEN Field will be streamed in high definition.

Starting with Portland's inaugural home match Sunday against Seattle Reign FC, veteran sports broadcaster Ann Schatz will provide play-by-play with former University of Portland All-American goalkeeper Angela Harrison adding analysis as the broadcast team on Freedom 970 AM.

Thorns FC announce partnership with Providence Health & Services

Last week, Thorns FC announced Providence Health & Services as the club's official Presenting Partner and primary jersey sponsor while unveiling the team's kits for the inaugural NWSL season.

WATCH: Thorns FC forwards Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan showcase the 2013 kit

As the official health care provider of Portland Thorns FC, Providence Health & Services and the club are partnering together to advance health and fitness causes with a point of emphasis on women and children in the community through programs such as the Providence Heart and Vascular Institute's PlaySmart youth heart screenings, the Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children's Healthy "˜n' Fit pediatric weight management program and Providence Health and Fitness Days at JELD-WEN Field.

Thorns FC launch Portland Thorns Kids Club

Thorns FC recently announced the launch of the 2013 Portland Thorns Kids Club. Membership costs $10 and includes one free Portland Thorns FC flex ticket, an invitation to an exclusive Thorns FC Kids Club event with Thorns FC players and one, 10-percent-off coupon good at the adidas Timbers Team Store for Thorns FC merchandise. To become a part of the Portland Thorns Kids Club, call (503) 553-5437 or email ThornsKC@PortlandThornsFC.com .

Thorns FC single game tickets on sale

Thorns FC single-game tickets for the 2013 National Women's Soccer League season are on sale. In addition to being available at the JELD-WEN Field box office, fans also will be able to purchase tickets, starting at $12, for all 11 of the team's regular-season NWSL home matches online at www.portlandthornsfc.com . The JELD-WEN Field box office is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group opportunities for Thorns FC matches are available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555 or ticketsales@portlandtimbers.com . Additional group information can be found at www.portlandtimbers.com/thornsfc/thorns-group-outings .

Thorns FC season tickets still available

Thorns FC season tickets are still available, starting at $9 per game. The 2013 Thorns FC season ticket package includes 11 home matches, all at JELD-WEN Field. Visit the Thorns FC season tickets page online for more information and pricing regarding season tickets.

THORNS FC MEDIA SOURCES

Radio: The club's weekly radio talk show, "Talk Timbers," presented by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, airs every Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. (Pacific) on flagship station 750 AM The Game. "Talk Timbers" provides team news and interviews covering the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer as well as regular updates, features and player interviews covering Portland Thorns FC.

Fans can submit questions, provide comments or simply follow the conversation on Talk Timbers on Twitter with the hashtag #TalkTimbers.

Fans can tune in to the show live on 750 AM The Game or listen online at www.750thegame.com . Available podcasts can be downloaded at www.portlandtimbers.com/timbers-podcast-network .

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 18, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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