MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, June 3, 2017
Kickoff: 4 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Yurcak Field (Piscataway, N.J.)
Forecast: Partly cloudy, 74 degrees
Referee: Marco Vega
Assistant Referees: Amanda Ross, Tom Felice Fourth Official: Lorant Varga
Broadcast: go90.com and NWSLSoccer.com
Broadcast talent: Bernie Guenther (play-by-play), Ross Devonport (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Following back-to-back games against the Boston Breakers, Thorns FC open up a back-to-back stretch against Sky Blue FC, visiting the East Coast for a match on June 3.
Saturday’s match is the first of two meetings between the sides that will be meet again following an international break on June 17 at Providence Park. This week’s match marks a stretch of four games out of the next six on the road for Portland.
Thorns FC enter this week on a five-game unbeaten run (2-0-3) behind a defense that ranks tied for first in the league in fewest goals conceded (5).
LAST MATCH RECAP
Thorns FC got off to a fast start, scoring two goals in the opening five minutes to record a 2-0 win against the Boston Breakers on May 27. Midfielder Amandine Henry scored her first career NWSL goal, delivering a left-footed strike from distance in the fifth minute, while also directing a header on frame that resulted in a own goal for Portland in the opening minute. Defensively, Thorns FC limited Boston to just five shots in the match, outshooting the Breakers 15- 5, while also allowing just one shot on goal the entire match.
SERIES HISTORY
Portland is 4-5-2 all-time against Sky Blue FC with Saturday’s match marking the 12th all-time meeting between the two sides. Portland won both matches last season, recording a 2-1 win at Providence Park and a 3-1 win on the road to conclude the regular season and clinch the NWSL Shield. Thorns FC have three of the last five meetings against Sky Blue FC and have scored two or more goals in all three wins.
SCOUTING SKY BLUE FC
Sky Blue FC enters this week coming off a stretch of three games in an eight-day span and has won three of its last four games. Wrapping up a long stretch, Sky Blue FC earned a 2-1 win over the Orlando Pride on May 27 at Yurcak Field as forward Maya Hayes recorded a late game-winner. Sky Blue FC is 3-0-0 at home this season, conceding just two goals in those three matches. Sky Blue FC is led by midfielder Sarah Killion, who has scored a league-best five goals – four of which have come from the penalty spot. Australian international and reigning NWSL Player of the Month Sam Kerr provides an additional scoring threat for Sky Blue FC as she has two goals this season.
