NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on July 3, 2014 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


Thorns FC and Chicago Red Stars meet for the first time this season Friday at Providence Park

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC kick off consecutive matches in a six-day span against the Chicago Red Stars on Friday, July 4, in an Independence Day match at Providence Park; kickoff for Friday's match, presented by Nike, is scheduled for 11 a.m. (Pacific).

Friday's match will be available via a live webstream at www.portlandthornsfc.com.

Portland (6-6-2, 20pts) and Chicago will meet three times during the month of July, facing off twice in Chicago on July 9 and July 17. Friday's meeting is the first between the two teams since July 28, 2013, when the two clubs played to a 3-3 draw at Providence Park. Forward Christine Sinclair scored a brace and midfielder Mana Shim tallied a goal, but Thorns FC conceded two goals in the final 15 minutes of the match. Portland is 2-1-1 all-time against Chicago.

Entering Friday's match, Thorns FC are coming off a 1-0 loss against FC Kansas City on June 28 at Durwood Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Forward Alex Morgan saw a header cleared off the goal line in the opening 20 minutes of the match, while midfielder Allie Long's shot from distance in the 84th minute was tipped off the crossbar by goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. FC Kansas City forward Lauren Holiday scored the game-winning goal in the 41st minute after her shot from the edge of the box deflected off a Thorns FC defender and into the back of the net.

Individually, forward Jessica McDonald leads the team and ranks fourth in the league with eight goals. Forward Christine Sinclair leads the league in shots (50) and shots on goal (26). As a team, Portland has recorded a league-best 228 shots, while ranking second in shots on goal (103). At Providence Park this season, Thorns FC are averaging 16.5 shots per match and have tallied at least 16 shots in each of their seven home matches.

Chicago (6-6-2, 20pts) is playing its first match in two weeks. In their last match on June 21, the Red Stars lost 1-0 to FC Kansas City on the road. Chicago has spent much of its season away from home, playing nine of its first 14 games on the road. The Red Stars are 4-4-1 on the road this season. As a team, Chicago has allowed the second fewest goals in the league (15). Forward Jen Hoy leads the team with four goals and two assists, while 10 different players have scored at least one goal. U.S. Women's National Team forward Christen Press joined the team midway through the season and has appeared in the last two matches.

Thorns FC and Chicago will face off again on Wednesday, July 9, at Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill.; kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Pacific).

TEAM NEWS

Heath joins Thorns FC for remainder of 2014 season

Midfielder Tobin Heath returned to Portland this week and began training with Thorns FC after finishing her season with French club Paris Saint-Germain. In two seasons with PSG, Heath appeared in 22 matches and scored five goals.

Heath was a key part of Portland's 2013 championship run as she scored the go-ahead goal in a 2-0 win over the Western New York Flash in the NWSL Championship game and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Heath also factored in a playoff semifinal against FC Kansas City, scoring her first goal with the club in a 3-2 win. During the regular season, Heath made seven appearances (all starts) and tallied three assists.

Morgan nominated for Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Sports award

Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan has been nominated for an inaugural Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Sports award in the "Sickest Move" category.

The show hands out awards to kids' favorite athletes and the show will air live on Thursday, July 17, at 5 p.m. (Pacific).

Stumptown Dumplings to be featured food cart Friday at Providence Park

As part of the match-day experience at Providence Park, fans can enjoy food from four of Portland's most popular food carts through the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance (PTFCA). Featured on Friday at Providence Park will be Stumptown Dumplings.

Founded in 2012, the PTFCA is a program designed to highlight the Rose City's vibrant food-cart culture. In addition to Stumptown Dumplings, Nong's Khao Man Gai, Big-Ass Sandwiches and 808 Grinds also will be featured at Providence Park in 2014 at both Timbers and Portland Thorns FC home games. To learn more about PTFCA, visit www.timbers.com/ptfca-members.

Timbers, AC Portland return 50/50 raffle, fundraiser for a second season in 2014

A resounding success in 2013, the Timbers and AC Portland have teamed with Pointstreak 5050 to once again bring the 50/50 raffle to fans at Providence Park.

At all Timbers and Thorns FC home games in 2014, fans will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets from the time gates open until the 60th minute, and jackpot totals will be displayed in real time on the scoreboard and at the AC Portland 50/50 kiosk located near Gate 4. One winning ticket will be selected and announced at the 70th minute of the match, with the winner taking home half of the event's net proceeds. The remaining proceeds benefit AC Portland and the Portland Timbers Community Fund.

Be part of the 2014 KeyBank LTFC

All Timbers and Thorns FC fans 12-years-old or younger are encouraged to be part of the 2014 KeyBank LTFC. A $25 membership gets you an exclusive 2014 KeyBank LTFC Timbers/Thorns scarf, two free Thorns FC flex tickets, an invitation to exclusive KeyBank LTFC team training and autograph session and other great benefits.

Thorns FC open new team store at Providence Park

Thorns FC, in partnership with Gameday Merchandising and Nike, opened a new official team store at Providence Park on April 26, located in the southeast corner of the stadium adjacent to the Providence Sports Care Center. General hours of business for the new Thorns FC store are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Check out the Portland Thorns FC Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 3, 2014


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