BROADCAST INFORMATION
Broadcast:go90.com and go90 app (United States), NWSLsoccer.com (International)
Broadcast talent: Matt Pedersen (play-by-play), Taylor Burke (analyst)
MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2017
Kickoff: 4 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Maureen Hendricks Field (Boyds, Md.)
Forecast: Partly cloudy, 89 degrees
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Assistant Referees: Cory Richardson, Jeffrey Skinker Fourth Official: Lawrence Rodrigues
MATCH PREVIEW
Portland Thorns FC begin a stretch of three games in an eight-day span as they travel to square off against the Washington Spirit in the first of three meetings between the two sides in 2017.
Thorns FC have been one of the best teams on the road since the start of the 2016 season. Portland is averaging a point and a half from road games, the most of any team in the league.
In their last three road games, Thorns FC have posted a record of 1-0-2, recording two shutouts, which is tied for the most in the league.
LAST MATCH RECAP
Portland conceded an early goal and was unable to mount a second-half comeback, falling 3-1 to Sky Blue FC on June 17 at Providence Park. The loss marked Thorns FC’s first at home since July 9, 2016, snapping the club’s eight-game regular-season home unbeaten streak as well as a stretch of six games unbeaten this season. Christine Sinclair tallied Portland’s lone goal deep in second-half stoppage time, pouncing on the rebound and finishing after her penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday’s match marks the 11th all-time meeting between Portland and Washington. Thorns FC posted a 1-0-1 record against the Spirit last season, sur- rendering just one goal in two matches against Washington. In five previous road matches against the Spirit, Thorns FC have posted a record of 2-1-2, outscoring Washington 10-5 in those matches. Portland is 5-1-4 all-time against the Spirit, averaging 2.3 goals per game.
SCOUTING WASHINGTON
Washington enters Saturday’s match coming off a 1-1 draw on the road against the Chicago Red Stars on June 17. The Spirit have just two wins this season, but have found success at home, winning two of their last three games at Maureen Hendricks Field, while scoring six goals during that stretch. Washington is led by Francisca Ordega, who scored her third goal of the season in the team’s draw on the road against Chicago. Ordega (3 goals) is tied for the team with Havana Solaun for the team lead in goals scored.
