NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on May 15, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Riding a five-game unbeaten streak to start the season, Portland Thorns FC return to the Rose City following a three-game road trip for back-to-back home games this week at JELD-WEN Field. Thorns FC kick off the homestand Thursday against Sky Blue FC, the league's second-place team in the standings; kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific). Three days later, Portland squares off against the Washington Spirit at JELD-WEN Field on Sunday; kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. (Pacific). Fans can listen to both matches on Freedom 970 AM or follow the action via a live, high-definition web stream on www.portlandthornsfc.com .

Tickets for the back-to-back home games are available at the JELD-WEN Field box office, online or by contacting the Thorns FC ticket sales office at (503) 553-5555.

Thorns FC (4-0-1, 13pts) sit atop the National Women's Soccer League standings through the first five matches of the season, earning four consecutive wins since April 21. Forward Alex Morgan has earned a team-high three goals and one assist (7 points), and registered at least a point in four straight matches for Portland. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc has earned the league's best mark with a 0.60 goals-against average and two shutouts.

On May 12, Thorns FC concluded their road trip with a 2-0 win against the Chicago Red Stars at Benedictine Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill. Morgan tallied the quickest goal of the season for Thorns FC, scoring off an assist from Nikki Marshall in the third minute. Morgan beat Chicago goalkeeper Erin McLeod with a low drive to the near post, recording her second goal in as many matches. Portland took a two-goal lead in the 35th minute as midfielder Allie Long connected on her first career NWSL goal for Thorns FC. Midfielder Nikki Washington recorded her team-leading second assist of the season, delivering a pinpoint cross through the box from the right flank. The ball found Long in stride as the Long Island native finished with a one-timed shot, beating McLeod for the goal.

Sky Blue FC (3-1-1, 10pts) is in second place in the league standings through five games of the season. Led by former University of Portland standout midfielder Sophie Schmidt's three goals, head coach Jim Gabarra's side is unbeaten in its last two matches - including a 2-0 win against Seattle Reign FC on May 11 at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J. Thursday's match marks the first of three meetings between Sky Blue FC and Thorns FC this season.

The Washington Spirit (0-2-3, 3pts) heads to the Rose City on Sunday for the second meeting between the two sides in the past three weeks. The Spirit square off against Seattle Reign FC on Thursday at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash., before coming to Portland. Thorns FC earned a 2-1 road win against the Spirit on May 4 at Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md. Morgan tallied a 12th-minute penalty kick and midfielder Nikki Washington added a 51st-minute goal for Thorns FC in the win.

Following two matches in four days, Thorns FC take to the road for their second meeting against Pacific Northwest-rival Seattle Reign FC this season, and first at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash., on Saturday, May 25; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans can follow the action through a live stream available at www.portlandthornsfc.com .

TEAM NEWS

Thorns FC to feature PTFCA's Big-Ass Sandwiches Thursday at JELD-WEN Field

As part of the match-day experience at JELD-WEN Field, fans can enjoy food from some of Portland's most popular food carts through the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance (PTFCA). Featured on Thursday at JELD-WEN Field will be Big-Ass Sandwiches.

From the Soccer City Grill, located in the Southeast corner of the stadium, Big-Ass Sandwiches will be serving its dishes at JELD-WEN Field for the Portland Thorns FC home game against Sky Blue FC on Thursday. Kickoff against Sky Blue FC is 7:30 p.m. (Pacific). Click here to learn more about Big-Ass Sandwiches.

Founded in 2012, the PTFCA is a free, cross-promotion program designed to highlight the Rose City's vibrant food cart culture. To learn more about PTFCA, which is free to join, visit www.portlandtimbers.com/ptfca.

Watch Thorns FC matches at one of four pub partner locations

Thorns FC fans can watch Thorns FC matches at one of four pub partner locations during the 2013 National Women's Soccer League season. Mad Greek Deli (1740 E. Burnside), Bazi Bierbrasserie (1522 SE 32nd Ave.), On Deck (910 NW 4th Ave.) and McGillacuddy's (11133 NE Halsey St.) will each have a television dedicated to the live web stream of Thorns FC games this season.

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 forward Christine Sinclair named NWSL Player of the Month

Portland Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair was recently named the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Month for April.

Sinclair, 29, earned at least a point in three straight games during the month of April, helping guide Thorns FC to an undefeated 2-0-1 record during the opening month of the inaugural 2013 NWSL season. The Canadian international recorded the first goal in Thorns FC history, converting a game-tying penalty kick on April 13 in a 1-1 draw against FC Kansas City in the league's inaugural match.

A former standout at the University of Portland, Sinclair assisted on forward Alex Morgan's goal in a 2-1 win against Seattle Reign FC on April 21 in Portland's home opener, becoming the first player in league history to register both a goal and an assist this season.

Sinclair then scored her second goal of the season in the team's next game, a 2-0 road win against the Chicago Red Stars on April 27.

NWSL and FOX Sports Media Group announce television partnership

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 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. Thorns FC season tickets are available in a pro-rated, 10-game package. Portland plays all of its home games 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 Nikki Marshall joined the program to talk about the team's four-game winning streak, growing up in Colorado and playing striker for the University of Colorado before shifting to defender, coaching and joining Thorns FC for the 2013 NWSL season.

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 May 15, 2013


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