MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, April 15, 2017
Kickoff: 12 noon (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Cloudy, 62 degrees
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Assistant Referees: Deleana Quan, JJ Blodgett Fourth Official: Jason Perlewitz
Television: Lifetime
Broadcast talent: Jen Hildreth (play-by-play), Aly Wagner (analyst), Dalen Cuff (sideline reporter)
- TICKETS: Thorns vs. Pride
- WEBSTREAM: How to watch
MATCH PREVIEW
Portland Thorns FC open their fifth campaign in NWSL, playing host to the Orlando Pride. It marks the second straight season Thorns FC have played the Pride in their home, and season opener. Thorns FC return 18 players from its 2016 roster that won the NWSL Shield. Portland has outscored its opponents 7-2 in its last two home openers, including a 5-1 win against Boston in 2015 and a 2-1 win against Orlando in the club’s 2016 home opener.
AGAINST ORLANDO
Saturday’s match between Portland and Orlando is the third meeting all-time between the two clubs. It marks the second straight season Thorns FC have squared off against the Pride in their home opener. Portland is 2-0-0 all-time against Orlando, registering a 2-1 win on April 14 at Providence Park and a 2-1 win on the road on June 26. Notably, Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Lindsey Horan scored in both games, with Horan notching the game winner in each match.
SCOUTING ORLANDO
The 2017 season marks the Orlando Pride’s second season in the NWSL. The newest NWSL side in 2016, Orlando finished ninth overall in its inaugural season, posting a record of 6-13-1. The Pride return several players from their first sea- son, including leading goal scorer Kristen Edmonds, who tallied six goals for the Pride. Orlando bolstered a strong defensive unit by acquiring U.S. international Ali Krieger in a trade with the Washington Spirit and Australian international Alanna Kennedy, while 2016 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Ashlyn Harris returns in 2017.
HOME AND SEASON OPENERS
Thorns FC open the season at Providence Park for a third consecutive campaign previously hosting Orlando in 2016 and Boston in 2015. Dating back to 2013, Portland is 4-0-0 in home openers and 3-0-1 in season-opening matches. Thorns FC have outscored their opponents 11-4 in their four home openers. In addition, Allie Long leads the way with three goals scored in Portland’s home openers. Notably in each of the last two home-opening matches for Thorns FC a Portland player has registered a multi-assist game: Mana Shim in 2015 and Tobin Heath in 2016.
