
Thorns FC Weekly Update
June 4, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release
Thorns FC visit Houston Dash before 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup break
PORTLAND, Ore. - Playing their final match before the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup break, Portland Thorns FC complete a two-game road swing with a match against the Houston Dash on Saturday, June 6, at BBVA Compass Stadium; kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (Pacific). Saturday's match will be broadcast via web stream at www.portlandthornsfc.com.
Portland (2-3-2, 8pts) is set to play its fourth game on the road in its last six matches and takes on the Dash for a second time in its last three contests on Saturday. Following games this weekend, the NWSL will take a league-wide break during the group stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Thorns FC will return to action on Friday, June 19, playing host the FC Kansas City at Providence Park.
Thorns FC visit BBVA Compass Stadium for the only time this season on Saturday, while it is the second, and final, regular-season meeting between the two teams in 2015. Despite suffering a 1-0 loss against Houston in their last meeting, Portland has a record of 3-1-0 all-time against the Dash, including a pair of wins on the road in 2014. Defensively, Portland has limited Houston to single-digit shot attempts in each of the last three meetings. In the last meeting on May 23 at Providence Park, Thorns FC held Houston to a season-low four shots in the match, allowing just one shot in the second half. Portland recorded an 18-4 advantage in shots in the match, but Houston got the eventual game winner from forward Jessica McDonald early in the match and held on for a 1-0 win. It marked the fourth straight match between the two teams that has ended with a 1-0 result.
In Portland's last match, forward Ayo tallied her first career NWSL and Thorns FC goal in a 2-1 loss on the road against the Washington Spirit on May 30. Goalkeeper Michelle Betos made her third consecutive start, recording eight saves in the match, equaling her NWSL career high in a single match.
Houston (2-2-3, 9pts) comes into Saturday's match unbeaten in its last three games (1-0-2), including a 1-1 draw on the road against Sky Blue FC on May 31. The Dash fell behind 1-0 just 11 minutes into the match as Sky Blue FC midfielder Hayley Haagsma tallied the opening goal. Houston had an opportunity to level the match in the 76th minute after being awarded a penalty kick, but McDonald had her kick from the spot saved by Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Brittany Cameron. In the final minutes of the match, second-half substitute Allie Bailey tallied the equalizer, helping Houston secure a point on the road. McDonald ranks tied for third in the NWSL in goals (4), while forward Kealia Ohai had tallied two goals this season and two assists. Goalkeeper Bianca Henninger has stepped in with Canadian international Erin McLeod away for the World Cup.
Following their return from the league-wide FIFA Women's World Cup break, Thorns FC will play back-to-back home matches on Friday, June 19, and Friday, July 3, against FC Kansas City and Sky Blue FC respectively, at Providence Park.
TEAM NEWS
Thorns FC team up with American Outlaws for FIFA Women's World Cup viewing parties
American Outlaws Portland Chapter (AOPDX) will be holding watch parties for the United States' group-stage matches at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and Thorns FC will be supporting AOPDX efforts at both Bazi Bierbrasserie and Mad Greek Deli. AOPDX will be raffling off prizes at each party, including special Thorns FC items. Fans can catch the United States' match on June 8 against Australia (4:30 p.m. Pacific) and June 16 against Nigeria (5 p.m. Pacific) at Bazi Bierbrasserie. On June 12, join Thorns FC midfielder Sinead Farrelly and forward Hanna Terry and watch the U.S. square off against Sweden at Mad Greek Deli; kickoff is set for 5 p.m. (Pacific). For more information visit www.americanoutlawsportland.com.Â
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 Plan, 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.
Watch Thorns FC away matches at pub partner locations
While Thorns FC are on the road, show your support for the team from the Rose City by watching the match at one of several pub partner locations.
McGillacudy's (11133 NE Halsey St.), McMenamins Ringlers Pub (1332 W Burnside St.), Kells Irish Pub (112 SW 2nd Ave.), Lightning Will (305 NW 21st), Mad Greek Deli (1740 E Burnside), Bazi Bierbrasserie (1522 SE 32nd Ave.) and The Blue Bar Room (8145 SE 82nd Ave.) all broadcast Thorns FC web streams.
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.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 4, 2015
- Red Stars Look to Defend First Place against Western New York - Chicago Stars FC
- Thorns FC Weekly Update - Portland Thorns FC
- Forty-Six NWSL Players to Participate in FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 - NWSL
- Reserves Partner with IYSA and IWSL for 2015 Season - Chicago Stars FC
- Breakers to Hold Women's World Cup Viewing Party Monday, June 8 at Park Restaurant in Cambridge - Boston Breakers
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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