MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: 61 degrees, Rain showers
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Assistant Referees: Maggie Short, Shane Kennard Fourth Official: Jason Perlewitz
Broadcast: Lifetime
Broadcast talent: Jenn Hildreth (play-by-play), Aly Wagner (analyst), Dalen Cuff (sideline reporter)
MATCH PREVIEW
Saturday’s match mark the conclusion of the 2017 regular-season for Portland Thorns FC as the club plays host to the Chicago Red Stars, the third meeting of the regular season between the two sides, at 12:30 p.m. (Pacific) at Providence Park.
Portland extended its unbeaten streak to five games with a scoreless draw on the road against Orlando on Sept. 23. It marks Portland’s third stretch of five or more games unbeaten this season.
Thorns FC have the best home record in the NWSL this season (9-1-1), while Chicago has been one of the most consistent teams on the road (4-3-4).
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday’s match is the third regular-season meeting between Portland and Chicago in 2017. Thorns FC won both of the previous meetings, including a 1-0 win at Providence Park on April 29. The last time these two teams squared off was in Chicago with Portland earning a 3-2 win, receiving goals from Christine Sinclair, Hayley Raso and Emily Sonnett on Aug. 12. Thorns FC are 6-1-6 all-time against the Red Stars with a mark of 3-1-2 at Providence Park. In 12 career matches against Chicago, Sinclair has seven goals.
SCOUTING CHICAGO
Chicago visits Portland on the back of a three-game road swing after earning a 3-2 win on the road against the Houston Dash on Sept. 23. The Red Stars are just one of two teams in the league with a winning record on the road (4-3-4) this season, having earned a least a point in each of their last seven road matches. Chicago is led by forward Christen Press, who ranks fourth in the NWSL in goals scored (11), while forward Sofia Huerta has five goals and four assists.
