MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Sunny, 97 degrees
Referee: Katja Koroleva
Assistant Referees: Deleana Quan, Joshua Haimes Fourth Official: Cephas Quartson
Broadcast: Lifetime
Broadcast talent: Jenn Hildreth (play-by-play), Aly Wagner (analyst), Dalen Cuff (sideline reporter)
MATCH PREVIEW
Portland Thorns FC return home to play host to the Washington Spirit on Saturday at Providence Park. Portland has won its last five home matches, while conceding just two goals.
With four games remaining, Thorns FC look to continue their strong form having won six of their last seven matches and can clinch their fourth playoff berth in five seasons with a win on Saturday and a Sky Blue FC loss or draw on Sunday against FC Kansas City.
In addition, a win on Saturday would tie the single-season record for wins (12) and set a new mark for home wins (9).
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday’s match is the third and final meeting of the season between Thorns FC and Washington. In the last meeting between the two sides, Portland rallied to score a pair of second-half goals with an equalizer from midfielder Allie Long and the game-winning goal from forward Mallory Weber to secure a 2-1 win on July 22 at Providence Park. Portland is 4-0-2 all-time against the Spirit at home, outscoring Washington 15-7 in those matches.
SCOUTING WASHINGTON
Washington visits Portland following a 3-2 loss midweek at home to the North Carolina Courage on Aug. 30. Midfielder Estefania Banini put the Spirit in front early, but the Courage equalized in first-half stoppage time and added a brace from forward Jessica McDonald to knock off Washington. Offensively, the Spirit are led by forwards Cheyna Williams and Havana Solaun, who have scored a team-leading five goals.
