Following an incredible comeback win last weekend, Thorns FC are now tasked with two key match-ups on the road. First stop: a clash with the Washington Spirit on Sunday at Audi Field is 2pm PT. Watch on Paramount+.
Following an incredible comeback win against the Courage last weekend, Thorns FC are now tasked with two key match-ups on the road. First stop: a clash with the Washington Spirit on Sunday in a ground familiar to PTFC. Kickoff at Audi Field is 2pm PT.
Last Sunday, Portland – playing a player down since the 17th minute – came back from a 1-0 deficit to take all three points from North Carolina with a 2-1 victory inside a raucous Providence Park. Now in first place in the NWSL table, the Thorns look to carry that momentum into the next two weekends as they face their next challenges.
The Thorns (1st, 8-4-4, 28 pts) return to Audi Field for the first time since their 2022 NWSL Championship victory last October. This time however, it's not a neutral site. Portland will have to make some backline adjustments to fill in for centerback Kelli Hubly, who is unavailable due to a red card suspension.
Here are some stats to know as Portland make their first stop in D.C.
13-3-7
Historically, the Thorns have been the dominant side in the PDX-Capital matchup. Portland has recorded 13 wins against the Spirit, while only suffering three losses and splitting points seven times. When facing Washington, the Thorns hold an impressive 6-3-2 record after 11 regular-season matches played in Washington (and its surrounding areas).
Final 15
Portland currently rank second in the NWSL in most goals scored in the last 15 minutes of regulation. From the 75th minute until the final whistle, the Thorns have scored five goals.
33
Thorns forward Hannah Betfort is having a breakout summer. Currently red-hot, she has scored in back-to-back regular-season matches for Portland and has three goals in her last two games at Providence Park across all competitions. Her last tally came via this cheeky control and finish against the Courage.
6
Following her lob pass to Betfort to bring the Thorns level against North Carolina, midfielder Olivia Moultrie has joined the 3+ assists club in 2023 for Portland. In total, there are now six players with three or more assists for the Thorns.
5
In her return from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, forward Sophia Smith notched the game-winning goal just one minute after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 68th minute. With that goal, she has now scored in 5 straight regular-season matches for the second time in her career (2022, 2023), becoming only the second player in NWSL history with multiple streaks of five or more games with a goal (Sam Kerr).
