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Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

April 26, 2018 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Following consecutive home matches, Portland Thorns FC return to the road, traveling to square off against new NWSL side Utah Royals FC on Saturday, April 28, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Saturday's match kicks off at 6 p.m. (Pacific) and features a live web stream available on the go90 app and at www.go90.com.

Recent form

Thorns FC (2-1-1, 7pts) visit Utah riding a three-game unbeaten streak (2-0-1). Portland picked up a point at home, earning a 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit on April 20. Forward Christine Sinclair tallied her league-leading fourth goal of the season, converting from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Additionally, goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom made her Thorns FC debut, making four saves in the match, while midfielder Tobin Heath made her first appearance for the club since Oct. 14, 2017, logging 30 minutes.

Against new NWSL clubs

Saturday's match marks the first-ever meeting between Portland and Utah. The match is the first of three between the two sides during the regular season and Thorns FC's only road match against Royals FC. Portland has fared well against teams in their first NWSL season, posting a record of 5-1-0 in matches against teams in their first NWSL season. Thorns FC went 2-0-0 against the Houston Dash in their inaugural season in 2014 and won both matches against the Orlando Pride in their first season in 2015, while registering a record of 1-1-0 against the North Carolina Courage in their first NWSL season in 2017.

On the road

Portland will play its third road game in its first five matches this season on Saturday. Thorns FC played back-to-back matches on the road to start the season, falling 1-0 to the North Carolina Courage on March 24 before earning a 3-2 win against the Chicago Red Stars on March 31. Over the last three seasons, Portland has won nine road matches, equaling the most road wins of any team in the NWSL during that span. Thorns FC have earned at least a point in four of their last five road matches (3-1-1).

Scouting Royals FC

Utah (0-1-3, 3pts) comes into Saturday's match in search of its first win in team history in the club's first NWSL season. Royals FC rallied to take a 2-1 lead on the road against North Carolina on April 21, receiving goals from forward Katie Stengel and midfielder Brittany Ratcliffe before the Courage tallied a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw. As a team, Utah ranks tied for the third-fewest goals (4) conceded in the league, having allowed multiple goals just once in four games. Offensively, three different players have tallied goals, including Icelandic international Gunny Jonsdottir, who scored the first goal in club history against the Orlando Pride on March 24.

Next match

Thorns FC return to the Rose City to kick off a stretch of three matches in an eight-day span, starting with a home match against Cascadia rival Seattle Reign FC on Saturday, May 5, at Providence Park. The May 5 match is the featured NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime at 12:30 p.m. (Pacific).

TEAM NEWS

Thorns FC, Timbers partner with Dark Horse Comics for National Superhero Day

Portland Thorns FC and the Portland Timbers partnered with iconic, local comic book publisher Dark Horse Comics to create player-specific superheroes in recognition of National Superhero Day, it was announced today.

Thorns FC midfielder Tobin Heath and forward Christine Sinclair and Timbers midfielders Diego Chara and Diego Valeri will each be transformed into superheroes and have alter-egos created by local cartoonist Ron Chan. The collaboration will be launched on Saturday, April 28, on National Superhero Day.

International notebook: Brazil wins Copa America Femenina

Thorns FC midfielder Andressinha wrapped up play in the Copa América Femenina with matches on April 19 and April 22, securing a berth in both the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympics. With a win against Argentina on April 19 and a 0-0 draw between Colombia and Chile, Brazil secured spots in both tournaments. Brazil claimed the tournament title with a 3-0 win over Colombia on April 22.

Thorns FC defender Ellie Carpenter played all 90 minutes in the AFC Asian Cup final as Australia fell 1-0 to Japan on April 20.

Join the official viewing party Saturday at North 45

Fans are invited to attend the club's official viewing party to watch Saturday's Thorns FC match against Utah Royals FC at North 45 (517 NW 21st Ave.). The viewing party begins at 6 p.m. and is open to fans of all ages until 9:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Also, new in 2018 is the official Pub Party Passport. Pick up your passport at any official viewing party and get a stamp at every party you attend this season. With each stamp you will be entered to win a VIP matchday experience for four at our regular-season home finale on Sept. 7 at Providence Park.

Single-game tickets and annual memberships on sale for 2018 season

Single-game tickets for 2018 home matches at Providence Park are available now.

Fans can purchase tickets for the team's regular-season home matches by calling (888) 736-6849 or online here. Additionally, fans can purchase tickets at the Providence Park box office, which is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday).

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 here.

Fans interested in purchasing Thorns FC Annual Memberships for the 2018 season are encouraged to call the ticket office at (503) 553-5555 or email ticketsales@timbers.com.

Fill up at your local 76 gas station and earn free Thorns FC tickets

Fill up with eight gallons or more at participating 76 gas stations and receive a voucher good for two general admission tickets to a Thorns FC match, which you can redeem at the Providence Park box office or at www.thornsfc.com/76.

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

Check out the Portland Thorns FC Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 26, 2018


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