Thorns FC return home to play host to the Washington Spirit on Friday in matchup of the top two clubs in the NWSL.
The reigning champs are back home following a three-game road trip, which included wins in Seattle and Chicago. On Friday night, Portland Thorns FC play host to the first-place Washington Spirit at Providence Park in a match-up between the top two clubs in the NWSL standings.
The Thorns (6-2-4, 22pts) and Spirit (6-1-5, 23pts) have met 23 times since 2013, with Portland holding the advantage head-to-head with 13 wins.
Here are a few facts to know for Friday night:
0
The Thorns own a 13-2-8 record in the all-time series against the Spirit. But at Providence Park, the Thorns have been an even bigger challenge for the Spirit. Portland is 7-0-5 all-time against Washington at Providence Park.
8
Washington forward Ashley Hatch leads her team offensively with eight goal-scoring contributions - six goals, two assists. Hatch's numbers are good enough for a three-way tie for second in the league in goals+assists. The league's leader in goals+assists? Reigning NWSL MVP and Thorns forward Sophia Smith with 12 goal-scoring contributions (7 goals, 5 assists). It's a battle of top-two's in more than just the standings.
50
Natalia Kuikka is one game away from reaching 50 career appearances for the Thorns. The Finnish international signed with Portland on Oct. 29, 2020, and has since been an integral part of the Thorns backline. The 27-year-old has one goal and two assists through 11 matches in 2023.
23
The Thorns are having an exemplary season sharing the ball. Through 12 games, the Thorns lead the league with 23 assists. And their assists total so far this season is one of the main reasons why they also lead the league with 29 goals scored.
22.5
With 12 goals against in 2023 (3rd lowest in league), it's no secret that defense has been a big reason behind Washington's success this season. Defensively, the Spirit rank first with 270 clearances, averaging 22.5 clearances per match. Friday night pits the NWSL's top offense against its top defense.
