Portland Thorns FC vs. Washington Spirit: Preview, time, and how to watch
Washington Spirit are in a tough match late tonight against Portland Thorns FC, facing not only a surging opponent but also the effects of their second road game in a week and the hostile atmosphere of Providence Park.
The Washington Spirit (5-0-2) have won 5 of 7 games this season and scored at least two goals in all but their first. They have also shown a resilience and ability to problem-solve that could come in handy tonight.
Portland Thorns FC (3-1-3) struggled in early matches this season, but after removing coach Mike Norris to the role of technical director and unlocking Sophia Smith, they’re right back up. They’ve won three in a row and have the benefit of getting to play at home this week, despite a short turnaround from Wednesday night’s game.
“It’s hard to prepare people for the atmosphere of Providence Park because it truly is a special place and always so consistently strong…. From my perspective, it’s fun to play the villains sometimes,” Andi Sullivan said, expressing a sense of enjoyment at silencing the crowd and drums of Thorns’ supporters with a goal. “I’m just really excited for us to experience that, and we need to experience that, and I think the team is ready.”
Key Player: Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman scored her first goal of the season on Wednesday and has earned two assists – hopefully the start of more to come – but other stats bear out just how strong her season has been so far. She currently leads the league in expected assists (3.9), progressive carries (43), and successful take-ons (20).
Watch Out For: Sophia Smith
With five goals and three assists in her last three games, Sophia Smith is scary right now, and the sometimes leaky Spirit back line will be hard-pressed to stop her.
Challenges: Playing their third game in eight days, Washington may be battling fatigue as much as the Thorns. Interim head coach Adrián González has rarely made changes to his Starting XI and tends to make substitutions late in the match, which did not much change on Wednesday. With a small roster to begin, tired legs could definitely become a problem for this team.
Previously: These teams haven’t played yet this season, but the last time Washington beat the Thorns was May 19, 2019.
Portland Thorns FC Availability:
Out: Gabby Provenzano (SEI – achilles), Bella Bixby (maternity leave), Morgan Weaver (knee)
Questionable: None
Washington Spirit Availability:
Out: Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Makenna Morris (hip)
Questionable: Lyza Bosselmann (wrist)
Location: Providence Park, Portland, OR
Kickoff time: 10 p.m. ET
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Available TV: ION
Thanks, Annie. I’ll be watching after attending the DC United match.
Welp, I really hope this ION viewing experience wipes away the United game’s disappointment somewhat.
It’s a testament to how big of an impact Bethune has had that the coverage decided to eschew Trin in the condensed hype footage just now
If Trin wants to go on a scoring spree to prove that she’s still top dog, I for one am here for it.
She probably will, but maybe will have to settle for Bethune assisting most of them!
Can someone tell Coffey to stop being so friggin good? We get it, should have been at the World Cup.
I’d be surprised if Metayer is back next season if this system keeps getting implemented. She is a bad fit for it.
Will have to watch this game at another hour, absolutely wiped
That second goal (Sinclair), Portland had 2 players offside.