Thorns FC play host to their 2024 home opener Sunday at Providence Park as they welcome Gotham FC in a matchup between the last two NWSL champions.
Providence Park hosts its first NWSL match in 2024 as the Portland Thorns FC welcome NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday for its home opener. It's a battle of the last two league champions; kickoff is scheduled for 4pm PT and can be watched on ESPN2, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.
Here is all you need to know ahead of Sunday's clash at Providence Park
- 🖥️ How to Watch: Tune in to ESPN2 or ESPN Deportes, with a live stream on ESPN+
- NWSL Broadcast Guide: How to watch matches in 2024
- ⚽️ Matchcenter: 🌹 Thorns vs. Gotham 🗽
The Opponent: NJ/NY Gotham FC (8th, 0-0-0, 0pts)
Sunday's guests are one of two clubs who have not yet debuted in the 2024 NWSL season. Gotham and San Diego played in the 2024 UKG Challenge Cup to kickoff the season back on March 16. Whether the change in competition affects their play at Providence Park is yet to be seen, but as the reigning NWSL Champions, Gotham FC is not to be taken lightly in a 2023 NWSL Semifinal rematch.
During the offseason, NJ/NY bolstered their squad in preparations for their title defense. Goalkeeper Cassie Miller, defender Tierna Davidson, and midfielders Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett and Rose Lavelle were some of the additions for the bats.
Thorns Goals Scored: 10, Goals Conceded: 8 |
|---|
L | 0-1 vs NJ/NY | 11.6.23* |
W | 1-0 vs NJ/NY |10.7.23 |
L | 2-1 @ NJ/NY | 7.9.23 |
D | 3-3 @ NJ/NY | 10.1.22 |
W | 5-0 vs NJ/NY |7.16.22 |
*NWSL Playoff Match |
Stats and notes to know ahead of the home opener:
11-5-6
In the all-time series between Portland and NJ/NY, the Thorns hold the edge with 11 wins to Gotham's 5 (6 draws). When playing at Providence Park, Portland's record is 6-1-3.
4
In last weekend's season opener, five different players made their Thorns debut against Kansas City. Jessie Fleming, Marie Müller, Isabella Obaze, and Nicole Payne all were on the field at the initial whistle, while rookie Olivia Wade-Katoa logged her first minutes for Portland.
16
Nearly a year to the day of her ACL injury, Thorns No. 16 Janine Beckie made her return as a second-half substitute last weekend and delivered a comeback performance for the ages, recording a brace and an assist.
FIREPOWER
Although it has only been one game, Portland currently has two players already stirring up golden boot talk. Last year's top-scorer Sophia Smith recorded a brace as did Beckie. Both are in a three-way tie for the NWSL's top-scorer through Week 1.
