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This Week in PTFC | Timbers in stretch run, Thorns close out regular season

TWIPTFC10252021

Timbers busy stretch continues

The Portland Timbers continue their quick pace as they approach the final three games of the regular season with positioning in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs on the line.

Having lost three matches in a row, Portland will look to return to their winning ways Wednesday when they host the San Jose Earthquakes at Providence Park (7pm PT, TICKETS, FOX 12 PLUS). The Timbers sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, tied on points with the LA Galaxy at 46 but holding the tie-breaker with one more win. San Jose sits nine points behind the Timbers in 10th place but are not yet eliminated from playoff contention and will be looking to stay in the race.

Thorns close out the regular season

Having won the 2021 NWSL Shield, earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs and secured home-field advantage in the semifinals, Portland Thorns FC return from international break to close out the regular-season portion of their campaign on Saturday, Oct. 30 when they host the North Carolina Courage at Providence Park (7pm PT, TICKETS, Twitch).

Though Portland is safely into the playoffs, the Courage are currently on the outside looking in. Positioned in seventh place, they are tied on points with the Houston Dash on 32 but Houston holds the tiebreaker. North Carolina will be looking for points this weekend to keep their playoff hopes alive.

International Duty

Speaking of Thorns, a number of players have been away on international duty. Midfielder Lindsey Horan earned her 100th career cap while Christine Sinclair added to her international record goal-scoring mark. Check out the International Notebook to see the latest.

ICYMI

On the Countdown to Kickoff pregame show, KPTV's Nick Krupke sat down with midfielder Cristhian Paredes to talk about his time in the Rose City, being a newlywed in a pandemic and Oregon's wine country

PTFC Birthdays

Wish a happy birthday to these PTFC players this week: