MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Sunny, 88 degrees
Referee: Michael Radchuk
Assistant Referees: John Krill, Walter Heatherly Fourth Official: Cephas Quartson
Broadcast: nwslsoccer.com and go90.com
Broadcast talent: Matt Pedersen (play-by-play), Morgan Church (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Continuing a three-game home stand, Portland Thorns FC square off against the Washington Spirit in the first of two meetings between the sides at Providence Park on Saturday, July 22.
In the last match between the two clubs at Providence Park, Thorns FC recorded a 4-1 win on May 21, 2016. Portland has tallied 23 goals in its 11 previous matches against the Spirit, which is the second-most goals Thorns FC have scored against an NWSL in the club’s history.
Portland enters the match as one of the best team’s in the league at home, recording five wins, which is tied for the second most wins at home in 2017.
LAST MATCH RECAP
Behind a strong defensive performance, allowing just two shots on target, Portland recorded its seventh clean sheet of the campaign in a 1-0 win against the league-leading North Carolina Courage on July 15 at Providence Park. Forward Hayley Raso recorded her second goal of the season in the 70th minute, while defender Meghan Klingenberg registered her team-leading third assist of the season the play.
SERIES HISTORY
The Spirit picked up a 1-0 win in the last meeting between the two sides on June 24, but Portland leads the all-time series with a mark of 5-2-4, heading into the 12th all-time meeting. Thorns FC are unbeaten at home (3-0-2) against Washington, outscoring the Spirit 13-6 in those five matches. Additionally, Portland has found success late in games against Washington, scoring eight of its 23 goals in the last 15 minutes.
SCOUTING WASHINGTON
Washington visits Portland following a 2-1 loss on the road against the Houston Dash on July 15. The Spirit have not earned a win on the road this season, posting a mark of 0-4-2. Washington is led by forward Mallory Pugh, who has tallied three goals in her first six professional games, while forward Havana Solaun has added three goals and two assists. Defensively, goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe ranks tied for second among goalkeepers with 58 saves this season.
