NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on April 25, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


Thorns FC begin three-game road stretch Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars

PORTLAND, Ore. - Unbeaten in their first two matches of the inaugural National Women's Soccer League season, Thorns FC hits the road for three straight away games beginning on Saturday, April 27, against the Chicago Red Stars at Benedictine Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Pacific). Fans can watch the match via a live web stream on www.portlandthornsfc.com.

Last Sunday, Thorns FC earned goals on each side of halftime from defender Marian Dougherty and forward Alex Morgan in a 2-1 home-opening win against Seattle Reign FC before a record-setting crowd of 16,479 at JELD-WEN Field.

Forward Christine Sinclair assisted on Morgan's goal in the 52nd minute, giving Thorns FC (1-0-1, 4pts) a two-goal lead in front of a spirited home crowd. Sinclair, who scored the game-tying goal on a penalty kick against FC Kansas City in the first-ever NWSL match on April 13, has recorded at least a point for Portland in consecutive matches. On Portland's first goal, midfielder Nikki Washington delivered a free kick from the right flank into the area that Dougherty redirected inside the far post with a header in the 45th minute. The goal, moments before the end of the first half, stands as the first-ever Thorns FC goal scored at JELD-WEN Field.

The Chicago Red Stars (0-0-1, 1pt) had a bye week after a season-opening 1-1 draw against the Seattle Reign on April 14. Saturday's match marks the second straight home game for Chicago and the first of two home matches against Portland - Thorns FC travel to Chicago again on Sunday, May 12, in the final game of a three-game road trip.

Thorns FC continue their three-game road swing on Saturday, May 4, against the Washington Spirit at Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (Pacific).

TEAM NEWS

Thorns FC acquire midfielder Elizabeth Guess

Portland Thorns FC announced Wednesday the acquisition of midfielder Elizabeth Guess off waivers. Guess, 28, appeared in one game for the Boston Breakers this season, assisting on forward Sydney Leroux's stoppage-time equalizer in a season-opening 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit on April 14.

At the professional level abroad, Guess appeared in 11 matches across all competitions for Dutch club ADO Den Haag of the Netherlands and Belgium's joint BeNe League during the 2012-13 season, recording four goals. The Georgia native made one appearance in the 2012-13 UEFA Women's Champions League competition, starting and playing 90 minutes in a Round of 32, first-leg match against Russian side FC Rossiyanka.

Before signing in Europe, Guess appeared in 11 matches for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL W-League from May-July 2012, earning five goals and five assists as Atlanta finished in second place in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division with an 8-1-3 (27pts) overall record. Guess also played for the Silverbacks during the 2009 season, scoring one goal in six games as Atlanta reached the conference semifinal round of the playoffs. Guess scored two goals in five games for SoccerPlus Connecticut during the 2008 Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season.

Playing under legendary women's soccer head coach Anson Dorrance at North Carolina from 2003-06, Guess registered 32 goals and 35 assists (99 points) in four seasons at Chapel Hill. Serving primarily as a forward, Guess helped guide the Tar Heels to national championships as a freshman in 2003 and a senior in 2006 and ranks among the esteemed program's Top 40 all-time in career goals, assists and points.

Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan on Friday's episode of "Timbers in 30"

This week's episode of "Timbers in 30" will air Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Pacific) on KPTV FOX 12, featuring Thorns FC and U.S. Women's National Team forward Alex Morgan as the in-studio guest. Morgan scored in the 52nd minute of a 2-1 home-opening win against Seattle Reign FC on April 21, helping Thorns FC to an unbeaten start to the season through two matches.

Throughout the season, "Timbers in 30" will offer inside access to the inner-workings and personalities of the club and provide analysis with in-studio appearances from Portland Timbers coaches and players. Previously aired shows and "Timbers in 30" features can be found at www.portlandtimbers.com .

NWSL and FOX Sports Media Group announce partnership for television rights

The NWSL and FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) recently announced 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 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.

Broadcasts began with Portland's inaugural home match on April 21 against Seattle Reign FC, as veteran sports broadcaster Ann Schatz will provide play-by-play with former University of Portland All-American goalkeeper Angela Harrison adding analysis this season as the broadcast team on Freedom 970 AM.

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.

On Tuesday, Thorns FC defender Marian Dougherty joined the program to talk about scoring a goal during last Sunday's home match against Seattle Reign FC, the atmosphere during the game at JELD-WEN Field and her great uncle who played for the Hungarian National Team.

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 25, 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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