MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017
Kickoff: 11 a.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Sunny, 93 degrees
Referee: Karen Abt
Assistant Referees: Deleana Quan, Maggie Short Fourth Official: JJ Blodgett
Broadcast: Lifetime
Broadcast talent: Jenn Hildreth (play-by-play), Aly Wagner (analyst), Dalen Cuff (sideline reporter)
MATCH PREVIEW
Following a league-wide break for international matches, Portland Thorns FC return to action to conclude a three-game home stand with a match against the Houston Dash on Aug. 5.
With nine games remaining in regular-season play, Thorns FC are currently third in the NWSL standings with 25 points, trailing the second-place North Carolina Courage (27pts) by two points and the league-leading Chicago Red Stars (28pts) by just three points.
Portland is unbeaten in its last three matches (2-0-1) and have won three straight home games, outscoring opponents 6-1 in those three home games.
LAST MATCH RECAP
Rallying from a second-half deficit, Thorns FC tallied a pair of goals in the final 28 minutes to earn a 2-1 comeback win against the Washington Spirit on July 22. Midfielder Allie Long scored her 30th career goal in the 62nd minute to level the match, while forward Mallory Weber notched her first career NWSL, the game-winner, in the 80th minute. Both forwards Ashleigh Sykes and Tyler Lussi recorded their first career assists in the NWSL.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday’s match marks the ninth all-time meeting between Portland and Houston, and just the fourth match between the two sides at Providence Park. Thorns FC lead the all-time series with a record of 4-2-2, including a mark of 2-1-0 in the three previous matches at Providence Park. The last time the two clubs squared off in Portland, Thorns FC registered a 3-0 win on Sept. 7, 2016, behind a brace from midfielder Allie Long.
SCOUTING HOUSTON
Houston enters this week currently riding a six-game unbeaten streak (4-0-2). The Dash picked up a 1-0 win on July 22 at home against the Boston Breakers as forward Nichelle Prince tallied the game-winning goal. As a team, Houston has recorded half of its wins on the road and are one of three teams in the league with three road wins in 2017. Individually, defender Poliana has tallied a team-high four goals, while midfielder Andressinha has recorded two goals and three assists.
