MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017
Kickoff: 3 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Jordan Field (Allston, Mass.)
Forecast: Showers, 69 degrees
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Assistant Referees: Cory Richardson, Amilcar Sicaju Fourth Official: Alexandria White-Gillies
Broadcast: nwslsoccer.com
Broadcast talent: Scott Sudkioff (play-by-play), Tyler Terens (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Portland opens up a two-game road swing, traveling to square off against the Boston Breakers on Sunday at Jordan Field. Thorns FC will play two of their final three games on the road, including a match against Orlando on Sept. 23.
Thorns FC secured their fourth playoff berth in four seasons last week. Heading into matches this weekend, Portland can clinch a home playoff game with a win against Boston and a Chicago Red Stars draw or loss on the road against FC Kansas City on Saturday.
Portland visits Boston currently riding a three-game winning streak, while having won seven of its last eight and two of its last three road matches.
LAST MATCH RECAP
Portland got off to a fast start, tallying three first-half goals in a 4-0 win against the Washington Spirit on Sept. 2 at Providence Park. Thorns FC recorded their ninth clean sheet of the campaign and received a brace from forward Christine Sinclair, her second of the 2017 season, while defender Emily Sonnett and forward Nadia Nadim each recorded a goal and an assist in the match. In addition, defender Meghan Klingenberg tallied her sixth assist of the season, which ranks tied for second in the NWSL.
SERIES HISTORY
Sunday’s match is the third and final meeting between the two sides this season. Portland rallied to earn a 2-2 draw on the road against the Breakers on May 19, receiving a second-half brace from forward Nadia Nadim, while recording a 2-0 win with a pair of goals in the opening five minutes of a 2-0 win at Providence Park on May 27. Thorns FC lead the all-time series 7-5-1 and are unbeaten in their last five matches (4-0-1) against the Breakers, outscoring Boston 15-5 over the five-game run.
SCOUTING BOSTON
Boston enters this week after a 4-2 loss on the road against the Orlando Pride on Sept. 2. The Breakers return to Jordan Field, where they have earned all three of their wins this season. At home this season, Boston has conceded just 11 goals in 10 matches. Forward Adriana Leon leads the way for Boston with a team-best five goals and five assists, while goalkeeper Abby Smith ranks second in the league in saves (80).
