NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on May 7, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


Thorns FC to play host to Washington Spirit Saturday at Providence Park

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC return to action Saturday against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Pacific). Saturday's match will be broadcast on a live, high-definition web stream at www.portlandthornsfc.com.

Thorns FC (2-0-1, 7pts) enter the week as one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), while also riding a seven-match home unbeaten streak (6-0-1) at Providence Park. Portland has won six consecutive matches at home, dating back to the 2014 season. Thorns FC have scored two or more goals in four of those matches, while also registering three shutouts in their last four home contests. Midfielder Allie Long has scored six goals during unbeaten streak at home, while Portland has scored 22 goals and conceded just seven.

In the team's first road match of the 2015 regular season, Portland earned a come-from-behind, 2-2 draw against the Chicago Red Stars on April 25 at Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill. Thorns FC conceded two early goals to forward Christen Press in the opening eight minutes, but rallied as midfielder Mana Shim netted the equalizer in the 47th minute. Long tallied the assist on forward Christine Sinclair's goal in the 29th minute, marking her third straight match with at least one point (3g, 1a). Shim's goal was her second in three matches.

As a team, Portland ranks among the top teams in several defensive categories, conceding the fewest goals in the league (3), while also allowing the fewest shots (25), the second-fewest shots on goal (14) and committing the second-fewest fouls (25) through its first three matches. Thorns FC have held their opponents to single-digit shot attempts in each of the team's first three matches this season.

Saturday's match marks the sixth meeting all-time between Thorns FC and the Washington Spirit. Portland is unbeaten in the five previous meetings (4-0-1) with a record of 2-0-0 at Providence Park. Thorns FC have yet to surrender a goal at home against the Spirit, outscoring Washington 4-0 in the two previous meetings. In the all-time series, Portland has outscored the Spirit 13-3, tallying 10 of their 13 goals in either the first 15 or final 15 minutes of the match. In three meetings last season, Thorns FC scored nine goals, while conceding just two. Both of Portland's victories at Providence Park have been by a score line of 2-0 as Thorns FC earned a 2-0 win against Washington on June 15.

Washington (2-2-0, 6pts) suffered a 3-1 loss against Seattle Reign FC on May 2 at Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. After surrendering two goals in the first 50 minutes of the match, the Spirit pulled one back through midfielder Joanna Lohman in the 63rd minute, but were unable to find the equalizer as Seattle secured the win behind a third goal in the 75th minute. Washington will be without the services of U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger, who both departed for training camp in preparation for the FIFA Women's World Cup, but Week 3 NWSL Player of the Week, defender Crystal Dunn will return in time for the match after being called into camp with the United States. Washington has scored seven goals this season, six of which have come from the likes of Dunn (3) and midfielder Christine Nairn (3). Washington is tied for second-most goals in the NWSL this season, but is also tied for the second-most goals conceded (7) through the first four weeks of the season.

Following Saturday's match, Thorns FC travel to Boston to take on the Boston Breakers on Saturday, May 16, at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium; kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. (Pacific) with a live web stream on www.portlandthornsfc.com.

TEAM NEWS

Timbers, T2, Thorns FC announce 2015 Stand Together Week

With the help of local community partners and the city of Portland, the Portland Timbers, T2 and Portland Thorns FC will present their fourth-annual Stand Together Week from June 8-14. The comprehensive, week-long community initiative supports dozens of nonprofit projects and volunteer opportunities across the city.

On June 3, the city of Portland officially will proclaim June 8-14 as Portland Timbers Stand Together Week, while the state of Oregon also will issue an official proclamation on a date to be determined.

Stand Together Week, with the help of Hands On Greater Portland, will consist of upwards of 35 volunteer projects, benefitting more than 30 organizations focused on youth and the environment across the Portland metro area. Fans are invited to volunteer and team up with mascot Timber Joey, select Timbers, T2 and Thorns FC players and club staff on the various projects.

Supported by Presenting Partners adidas, Alaska Airlines, Coca-Cola, Cricket Wireless, Daimler Trucks North America, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, KPTV FOX 12, Providence Health & Services, Simple, and University of Portland, Stand Together Week kicks off Monday, June 8, helping the Portland Police Bureau's Sunshine Division sort food for local families in need. Each project will engage fans and community members and have a meaningful impact on the community. The volunteer opportunities affiliated with Stand Together Week, named after the Timbers' community outreach platform, Stand Together, range from outdoor park/garden maintenance to construction projects and assisting in special youth and community initiatives. A complete schedule of activities and events is listed below.

Since 2012, Stand Together Week participants donated 7,012 hours of service at more than 100 events benefitting youth and the environment in the greater-Portland area. Nonprofits served include PlayWorks!, Growing Gardens, AC Portland and the Community Cycling Center, among many others.

To sign up as a volunteer for one of the Stand Together Week projects or for more information on the overall initiative, please visit www.timbers.com/standtogetherweek.

Five amateur players called up for Saturday's match against Washington Spirit

Midfielders Kate Bennett and Taylor Comeau, forwards Kelsey Haycook and Sarah Jackson and defender Alyssa Kleiner have been added to the 20-player roster as an amateur player to provide roster depth for Thorns FC while several players are away on international duty.

Comeau became the second amateur player to start a match for Thorns FC since 2013, playing 59 minutes in Portland's 2-2 draw against Chicago on April 25. Jackson made her debut for the club as a second-half substitute.

A second-team All-Pac-12 selection, Bennett played at the University of Washington, recording six goals and three assists during her senior campaign for the Huskies in 2014. Comeau led the University of California with eight goals and seven assists during her senior campaign, which also earned her second team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014. A two-time NSCAA All-American at La Salle, Haycook ranked third in the NCAA in goal (20) as a senior in 2014 for the Explorers. Both Jackson and Kleiner played at Santa Clara, Kleiner appeared in 77 career matches for the Broncos, while Jackson registered three goals and four assists during her senior season in 2013.

808 Grinds to be featured food cart Saturday at Providence Park

As part of the match-day experience at Providence Park, fans can enjoy food from some of Portland's most popular food carts through the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance (PTFCA). Featured on Saturday at Providence Park will be 808 Grinds.

Founded in 2012, the PTFCA is a program designed to highlight the Rose City's vibrant food-cart culture. In addition to 808 Grinds, Big-Ass Sandwiches, Nong's Khao Man Gai and Pok Pok also will be featured at Providence Park in 2015 at both Timbers and Portland Thorns FC home games. To learn more about PTFCA, visit www.timbers.com/ptfca-members.

Sinclair, Kyle and Wilkinson named to Canada Women's National Team roster

Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair, midfielder Kaylyn Kyle and defender Rhian Wilkinson were all named to the 23-player roster for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup for the Canada Women's National Team on April 27.

This is Sinclair's fourth appearance on a FIFA Women's World Cup Roster. The captain of the Canada Women's National Team played in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, helping guide Canada to a fourth-place finish in 2003. Sinclair has 222 international caps and 153 goals for Canada, while she has appeared in 12 FIFA Women's World Cup matches (all starts), recording seven goals and two assists.

Kyle has 95 international caps and is being named to her second FIFA Women's World Cup roster. Kyle started all three group matches for Canada at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany.

This is Wilkinson's fourth time being named to a FIFA Women's World Cup roster, having made 163 appearances with the Canada Women's National Team. Wilkinson played in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cups, appearing in 12 matches.

Thorns FC single-game tickets on sale

Single-game tickets for Portland Thorns FC's 2015 National Women's Soccer League home matches at Providence Park are on sale to the public.

Fans are able to purchase tickets, starting at $13, for the team's regular-season home matches by calling (888) 736-6849 or online here. In addition, fans also 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. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Group opportunities for Thorns FC matches are available by contacting the ticket office at (503) 553-5555 or ticketsales@timbers.com. Additional group information can be found at www.timbers.com/thornsfc/thorns-group-outings.

Timbers, AC Portland return 50/50 raffle, fundraiser for a third season in 2015

A resounding success in its first two years, the Timbers, Portland Thorns FC 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 2015, 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.

Fill up at your local 76 gas station and earn free Thorns FC tickets, chance to win $7,600

Fill up with eight gallons or more at a local 76 gas station and get a voucher for two free general admission tickets to an upcoming Thorns FC match, which you can redeem at the Providence Park box office. When you redeem your voucher for tickets, you are then entered into a drawing for a chance at winning $7,600 during the 76th Minute at an upcoming Timbers home match.

Visit www.timbers.com/76 for all the details.

Be part of the 2015 KeyBank LTFC

All Timbers and Thorns FC fans 12-years-old or younger are encouraged to be part of the 2015 KeyBank LTFC. A $30 membership gets you an exclusive 2015 KeyBank LTFC Timbers/Thorns scarf, four free Thorns FC flex tickets, four T2 flex tickets, four general admission tickets to the T2 match against Sacramento Republic on Sept. 12 at Providence Park, an invitation to exclusive KeyBank LTFC team training and autograph session and other great benefits.

TEAM MEDIA SOURCES

Television: "Timbers in 30"

Throughout the season, "Timbers in 30", presented by Oregon Lottery and hosted by Jake Zivin, Ross Smith and Sam Yarock, will offer inside access to the club and provide analysis with in-studio appearances from Timbers coaches and players. Previously aired shows and "Timbers in 30" features can be found at www.timbers.com.

"Timbers in 30" airs Fridays at 6:30 p.m. (Pacific) on KPTV FOX 12.

Radio: "Talk Timbers"

The Timbers' weekly radio talk show, "Talk Timbers," presented by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, airs every Wednesday evening beginning at 6 p.m. (Pacific) on flagship station 750 The Game. "Talk Timbers," provides team and league news as well as interviews with Timbers coaches and players during the season, and will also feature regular updates on Portland Thorns FC. This week's episode features Thorns FC midfielder McCall Zerboni.

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

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

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 7, 2015


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