NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on May 21, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


Thorns FC host Houston Dash in final home match before FIFA Women's World Cup break

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC square off against the Houston Dash for the first time during the 2015 regular season in their final home match before the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup break; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Pacific). Saturday's match will be broadcast on a live via web stream at www.portlandthornsfc.com.

Thorns FC (2-1-2, 8pts) suffered their first loss of the 2015 regular season on the road against the Boston Breakers on May 16, but return to Providence Park riding an eight-game home unbeaten streak (6-0-2), dating back to the 2014 season. Portland has scored two or more goals in five of those eight matches, while also registering three shutouts in its last four home contests. Midfielder Allie Long has scored seven goals during Thorns FC's eight-match unbeaten streak at home. As a team, Portland has scored 24 goals, while conceding just nine, during the stretch.

Statistically, Thorns FC have two of the top goal scorers in the league in midfielders Allie Long and Mana Shim. The pair has combined to score seven of Portland's nine goals this season. Long is tied for the NWSL lead with four goals, while Shim sits just behind her in the rankings with three goals. Additionally, Shim is tied for the league lead with three assists this season, while she has registered an assist on three of Long's four goals this season. Thorns FC have a record of 11-0-4 in regular-season NWSL matches since 2013 when either Long or Shim scores.

Saturday's match marks the fourth meeting all-time between the two clubs, and just the second meeting in the all-time series at Providence Park. In 2014, Thorns FC recorded a 1-0 victory in front of the largest crowd in NWSL history (19,123) on Aug. 3 at Providence Park. Portland is 3-0-0 against Houston all-time, recording shutouts in all three matches. Midfielder Allie Long tallied the game-winning goal in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in Houston to open the 2014 campaign on April 12, 2014, at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dash, who are the only other NWSL team affiliated with a Major League Soccer club (Houston Dynamo), joined the league as an expansion club in 2014.

Houston (1-2-2, 5pts) settled for a 2-2 tie against the Chicago Red Stars on May 15 at BBVA Compass Stadium. Dash midfielder Rachel Axon converted from the penalty spot in the 28th minute and forward Kealia Ohai doubled the lead in the 59th minute, but Chicago got a second-half brace from rookie forward Sofia Huerta to secure a point on the road. Houston is without six players due to FIFA Women's World Cup preparations, including starting goalkeeper and Canadian international Erin McLeod as well as U.S. Women's National Team midfielders Carli Lloyd and Morgan Brian and defender Meghan Klingenberg. Additionally, the Dash lost starting defender Stephanie Ochs to a season-ending injury. Houston is led by forwards Jessica McDonald and Ohai, who have combined to score five of the Dash's seven goals this season.

Following Saturday's match, Thorns FC return to the Rose City to play host to the Houston Dash on Saturday, May 23, at Providence Park; kickoff is scheduled for 7 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.

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.

Heath and U.S. Women's National Team earn 5-1 win against Mexico

Thorns FC midfielder Tobin Heath helped guide the U.S. Women's National Team to a 5-1 win on May 17 in the second game of a three game Send-Off Series before departing for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Heath entered the match in 62nd minute and wasted no time making her impact felt with a move that turned heads across multiple social media platforms. For more on the Heath's "elastico" move, click here.

Before heading to Canada, the United States plays one final match on Saturday, May 30, against Korea Republic at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. The match kicks off at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific) with a live broadcast on ESPN.

Pok Pok 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 Pok Pok.

Founded in 2012, the PTFCA is a program designed to highlight the Rose City's vibrant food-cart culture. In addition to Pok Pok, 808 Grinds, Big-Ass Sandwiches and Nong's Khao Man Gai 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.

Timbers, Thorns FC host 27th annual Friendship Cup Tournament May 22-25

The Timbers and Thorns FC will host the 27th annual Friendship Cup Tournament from May 22-25 in Beaverton, Ore. The Friendship Cup Tournament has served as one of the top Olympic Development Progam (ODP) tournaments in the country and with the Timbers and Thorns FC working in partnership with the Oregon ODP, the event now hosts MLS pre"academy teams, ECNL girl's teams and ODP teams.

Last year, teams from Oregon ODP, British Columbia Provincial, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Colorado ODP, Alaska ODP and Crossfire Premier (Wash.) made up the 55-team event. More than 50 college, regional and national coaches were also on hand to evaluate and scout players.

Timbers, Thorns FC form partnership with Idaho Youth Soccer Association

The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC have formed a partnership with the Idaho Youth Soccer Association (IYSA), it was announced recently. Through the partnership, the Timbers and Thorns FC will collaborate with IYSA on the Idaho Pre-Academy/Olympic Development Program (ODP) on both the boys and girls sides, providing guidance and a common vision to develop a similar model to what the Timbers and Thorns FC have created with the Pre-Academy/ODP program in Oregon.

Additionally as an aspect of the partnership, the Timbers and Thorns FC will explore creating alliances with local youth clubs in the state to start the pathway toward instilling the organization's goals and vision, while providing more opportunities for Idaho youth soccer players and preparing them for the potential of joining the Timbers and Thorns FC Academy programs.

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.

Thorns FC single-game tickets now on sale

Single-game tickets for Portland Thorns FC's 2015 National Women's Soccer League home matches at Providence Park are now 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.

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 Samantha 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.

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 21, 2015


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