NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Weekly Update

Published on July 19, 2018 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC travel to the East Coast for a match against Sky Blue FC on Saturday, July 21, at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J. The July 21 match kicks off at 4 p.m. (Pacific) and features a live web stream available at www.go90.com and on the go90 app.

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Thorns FC (7-5-5, 26pts) travel to Sky Blue FC having won back-to-back matches, while outscoring their opponents 7-1 in those two matches. With consecutive wins, Portland sits just two points out of playoff position with the Orlando Pride and Chicago Red Stars tied for third place on 28 points. Thorns FC also are just two points behind Seattle Reign FC in second place on 29 points. Ana Crnogorcevic recorded her fourth goal of the season in Portland's 3-1 win over the Houston Dash at Providence Park on July 15, while Hayley Raso recorded her first assist of the season.

Fast starts

Portland has scored five goals in the first half of its last two matches. This season, Thorns FC have scored more goals in the first half (17) than any team in the NWSL, including a league-best nine goals in the final 15 minutes of the opening half. Portland is 6-0-2 when scoring the first goal this season.

Against Sky Blue FC

Saturday's match is the second of three meetings between the two sides this season. The two teams squared off in Portland on June 27, with the match finishing in a 1-1 draw. Lindsey Horan recorded the opening goal just before halftime, while Sky Blue FC leveled the match in the second half from the penalty spot. Thorns FC have won in each of their last two trips to Yurcak Field, outscoring Sky Blue FC, 5-1. In the last road match against Sky Blue FC, Portland recorded a 2-0 win on June 3, 2017. Thorns FC have earned at least one point in four of the last five meetings (3-1-1) against Sky Blue FC.

Scouting Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC (0-12-3, 3pts) enters Saturday's match following a 4-0 loss at home to the North Carolina Courage on July 14. With international call-ups for the Tournament of Nations, Sky Blue FC midfielder Carli Lloyd, who is tied for the team lead with three goals this season, will be unavailable for the match. Offensively, rookie forward Savannah McCaskill has recorded three goals and one assist in her first 13 NWSL matches, while forward Katie Johnson has registered two goals and two assists. Among goalkeepers in the NWSL, Kailen Sheridan ranks second in saves (60).

Next match

Following a league-wide break for the Tournament of Nations, Thorns FC begin a two-game road trip, traveling for a road match against the North Carolina Courage on Sunday, Aug. 5, at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. The Aug. 5 match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. (Pacific) and will feature a live web stream available at www.nwslsoccer.com and on the NWSL app.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 19, 2018


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