Melina, Wilder, and Phuoc hop on the mics to discuss the Portland Thorns' busy summer window, the lackluster showing at NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the welcome back game for the Olympians against Bay FC.
To add my (somewhat gentle) twist to the request below: I think some of the angst from the hardcore Thorns fans is because we rarely see staff or players get asked soccer-related questions, and more importantly, questions that actually prompt answers. Questions often are phrased as leading questions, like: "Soph, can you talk about the positive impact Rob has had on the squad," or "Kelli, can you speak to the veteran leadership that Becky brings to the team." We rarely hear questions about tactical tweaks or what their broad attitude toward player acquisition and teambuilding has been this summer. Many of the responses will be non-answers, but I think it's still really, really important that they get asked them in the same ways NBA or NFL coaches do.
But also....just basic updates would be nice since the national media isn't going to ask:
- An update on Weaver would be great. I don't believe we've gotten one for months outside of her own IG and I don't know (though I may have missed it) that the question has even been asked.
- An update on Obaze, as we haven't seen her since the first half of the Tijuana match.
I was told she was making great progress and quite "close."
Obaze is a difficult situation because they're trying to get her match fit but there have been a few "setbacks" but she's been continue to work, work, work.
In regards to those questions you mention, I will ask tactical questions if something stands out for sure. I will put those in more and more with the season winding down.
Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated feedback.
Yes, when I mentioned asking harder questions, what kielbj mentioned is what I meant! I should've been more specific initially. Less flowery and more football related questions would be helpful, and if the FO is in the building...more questions about what their specific vision is for the club going forward, especially in response to player acquisition and player profile. Some other ideas...It would be nice to hear specifics on their plan for scouting going forward with the draft now gone. Would also love to know how we make (or keep) Portland a viable option for top players going forward....how do we separate ourselves?
I often hear "we want good people" in regard to players wanted, but, like, I wanna hear about the on-field sport side of things also. Are they tactically astute? Technical? Athletic? Fast? What are we looking for? Obviously there is a time and place for these types of questions with the FO and not in a post match, but a lot of info can be gained from the coach in a post match also about how and why he chose the lineup and the way they played. It doesn't have to be hostile...it's just a question about tactics or lineup.
What all of you do is super appreciated(!), I guess at least from the superfans, most of us are very interested in the on-field side of things. Most of the choices from the FO and the coach has been kind of an enigma because questions have just never been asked, or followed up on if a question is asked but isn't really answered. Again, questions aren't hostile! Or, they don't have to be...! It just helps the entire fanbase understand, and that's healthy for the club and the sport as a whole.
Bumping the below query/thread from previous Thorns posts in hopes of response;
ABell4
Aug 25
STF reporters...it would be lovely if y'all could start asking the club/coach some hard questions when you have the chance. Y'all are the only voice the fans have (and kinda the only accountability for the club), and there are lots of questions surrounding this club right now...
And, of course, thank you!
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FDChief
Aug 25
The Vox/Peregrine-STF was pretty paranoid about losing access. I was repeatedly rapped on the knuckles for pissing off players or management by writing that their last match/deal/draft had been less that perfect.
But Peregrine was shitty like that, and Vox was all about "access journalism".
Now? My thought is, why not? This is a fan blog. It should reflect the fans' viewpoints. We all question Sinclair starting at CF; what harm in asking why?
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Stefan (formerly Beck&Bauer)
Aug 25
Phuoc, Sam, Melina- would one of you mind answering this question? please? Are you restricted in some way from asking critical questions of the team/staff?
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PTFC Dave
20 hrs ago
The same dynamic still exists: the STF reporters here might lose their journalists' access if they're seen as "hostile" for asking questions we all want answered. But what level of tough questioning counts as "hostile"? I have no idea what current conditions are like at the club, but the dynamic is undoubtedly there at some level. MP has a notoriously thin skin, so I suspect things are at least somewhat better now than before the club's sale, but no one, the current club included, wants to deal with someone they consider an a**hole.
This dynamic isn't unique to sports - it applies anywhere where journos need to keep their connections open. Trump, for instance, gives interviews on Fox News far more than mainstream outlets because he considers the latter hostile, while he can count on Fox to pitch softball questions. (Harris, meanwhile, hasn't yet sat down for a real interview with *anyone*, though apparently she's about to. But it's with CNN, which could well pitch her softballs too. We'll see.)
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Stefan (formerly Beck&Bauer)
18 hrs ago
Thanks, Dave- I get that, but I'm hoping to hear from one of the STF reporters, to at least let us know what those conditions and restrictions are, or at least their perceptions of the same.
I could envision ways for concerns to be raised without them being considered "hostile" for asking
(i.e. "_____________, many of the fans at our STF site have raised concerns about ____(X)______ issue. Is there anything you can tell me about whether you agree there is reason for concern, why/why not, and if so, what can you say that we can relay to the fans on our site about the club's plans to address this?" etc.)
Ahma keep asking until they answer... I know Phuoc, at least, reads the comments
"Hi there! Site Manager/Editor in Chief/Guy who is in charge I Guess Sam here.
I completely understand your frustration. This Thorns season has been bumpy, and we have tried to reflect that in our coverage. We try our best to have our coverage and questions cover the general sentiment of the fanbase, while also balancing our jobs as media to be objective, fair, and honest.
Ultimately we aren’t going to be able to ask every single question that fans might want answered. We try our best to be critical when it is called for, and ask hard questions when they are warranted. Without going into too much detail, we have a duty to share the stories and information about the team and get the big questions answered, while also respecting the relationships we have with the club(s). That's not taking sides - it's just a reality of this job (which btw none of us do for a living).
Ultimately, I will back our beat writers and their perspective and what they want to ask or not. Phuoc, Melina, Wilder, et al have all been doing a fantastic job covering the Thorns this year, and I’m proud of their work - especially as essentially the only folks on full-time local coverage. I support them 100% and what they choose to ask or not ask. I hope that our coverage still gives you an insight into the team and helps share their stories, and I hope that you will still follow along.
Please keep the feedback coming! We’re still trying to grow this thing into something that is important and beneficial to you all, and we will continue to strive to do so."
Good discussion!! Leaning a bit Melina’s way in terms of being concerned about the trend/direction of the club this year.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on what’s up with Linnehan that she’s gone from a player many talked so positivity about to one that just barely got a mention in today’s podcast. She always seems dynamic and threatening when she’s in.
Keep ‘em coming, always look forward to a new drop!
I think she has a bright future in football and 100% believe that. I would be shocked if she didn't start next year or the year after as a first choice winger.
The physical adjustment for rookies coming from college is so demanding and not sure she really ever got to rest properly after NCAAs were over. She is going to get more opportunities down the stretch and it will be excited to see her pair up with Soph and another true winger.
Thank you so much for the support, means the world to us!
Is it possible the whole "physical adjustment" and "rest" thingies are way overblown? I never remember even considering rest in my early to mid 20s and I wasn't a finely tuned pro athlete. Not to denigrate their efforts and physical contributions, but is soccer even that demanding a sport, relatively speaking, especially for a forward? I can see someone like Fleming needing rest because she's always running all over the place. Or someone dealing with some knocks.
A week between games and multiple weeks between seasons seems sufficient. Seems like it gets used as a cop-out for not playing younger players. Like, maybe 41-year-old Sinc needs the rest and not 23-year-old Linnehan? I'd actually be more worried that she wouldn't be in game shape when it matters at the end of the season than overuse. Maybe I'm off-base with this. Anyway, just something I've been thinking about for a little while.
I think it’s slightly different for everyone. However, having proper time off to heal after NCAAs is crucial. Remember she didn’t play for a bit because of a knock from college.
She’ll be fully ready down the stretch, these breaks from games have helped.
Recalling Hina's first interview when asked what surprised her most about NWSL and everyone expected physicality, she said speed. Players are fast, style of play is fast.
In college effectively nobody plays 90 and with the substitution rules, it's rare to play 30 without a break. Going pro and having to log at least 60 and often the full 90 is going to place unfamiliar demands on every field player. It's not a switch that's simply flipped and working up to the standard pro workload will put different challenges on each player. Their style will inform how they respond, in part. Your sprinters will be into their anaerobic reserves the soonest.
The point about the rolling substitutions in college is a particularly good one- I've been watching a ton of college soccer lately and it still always surprises me when the star player gets taken off after 30-35 minutes to give them a full half hour rest, and then again to let them re-charge for the end of the match.
(That isn't to say the Thorns coaching staff aren't making errors with playing certain players over others, but it's always good to remember that the real coaches DO know a hell of a lot more than us internet managers about their own players and their fitness levels)
Well I sure as hell would take Hutton, but don't think KC will let her go lol...
Otherwise besides the few recognizable names (Caicedo and Matsukubo), I am unfamiliar. I do recognize LLoris, but don't know much about her. I imagine several of those Spanish players are with Barca or their academy teams. I plan on watching some of the U20 World Cup though (beginning this weekend!) US first match is against Spain (woof!)
To add my (somewhat gentle) twist to the request below: I think some of the angst from the hardcore Thorns fans is because we rarely see staff or players get asked soccer-related questions, and more importantly, questions that actually prompt answers. Questions often are phrased as leading questions, like: "Soph, can you talk about the positive impact Rob has had on the squad," or "Kelli, can you speak to the veteran leadership that Becky brings to the team." We rarely hear questions about tactical tweaks or what their broad attitude toward player acquisition and teambuilding has been this summer. Many of the responses will be non-answers, but I think it's still really, really important that they get asked them in the same ways NBA or NFL coaches do.
But also....just basic updates would be nice since the national media isn't going to ask:
- An update on Weaver would be great. I don't believe we've gotten one for months outside of her own IG and I don't know (though I may have missed it) that the question has even been asked.
- An update on Obaze, as we haven't seen her since the first half of the Tijuana match.
Update on Morgan - postgame with Rob Gale.
I was told she was making great progress and quite "close."
Obaze is a difficult situation because they're trying to get her match fit but there have been a few "setbacks" but she's been continue to work, work, work.
In regards to those questions you mention, I will ask tactical questions if something stands out for sure. I will put those in more and more with the season winding down.
Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated feedback.
Yes, when I mentioned asking harder questions, what kielbj mentioned is what I meant! I should've been more specific initially. Less flowery and more football related questions would be helpful, and if the FO is in the building...more questions about what their specific vision is for the club going forward, especially in response to player acquisition and player profile. Some other ideas...It would be nice to hear specifics on their plan for scouting going forward with the draft now gone. Would also love to know how we make (or keep) Portland a viable option for top players going forward....how do we separate ourselves?
I often hear "we want good people" in regard to players wanted, but, like, I wanna hear about the on-field sport side of things also. Are they tactically astute? Technical? Athletic? Fast? What are we looking for? Obviously there is a time and place for these types of questions with the FO and not in a post match, but a lot of info can be gained from the coach in a post match also about how and why he chose the lineup and the way they played. It doesn't have to be hostile...it's just a question about tactics or lineup.
What all of you do is super appreciated(!), I guess at least from the superfans, most of us are very interested in the on-field side of things. Most of the choices from the FO and the coach has been kind of an enigma because questions have just never been asked, or followed up on if a question is asked but isn't really answered. Again, questions aren't hostile! Or, they don't have to be...! It just helps the entire fanbase understand, and that's healthy for the club and the sport as a whole.
Bumping the below query/thread from previous Thorns posts in hopes of response;
ABell4
Aug 25
STF reporters...it would be lovely if y'all could start asking the club/coach some hard questions when you have the chance. Y'all are the only voice the fans have (and kinda the only accountability for the club), and there are lots of questions surrounding this club right now...
And, of course, thank you!
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FDChief
Aug 25
The Vox/Peregrine-STF was pretty paranoid about losing access. I was repeatedly rapped on the knuckles for pissing off players or management by writing that their last match/deal/draft had been less that perfect.
But Peregrine was shitty like that, and Vox was all about "access journalism".
Now? My thought is, why not? This is a fan blog. It should reflect the fans' viewpoints. We all question Sinclair starting at CF; what harm in asking why?
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Stefan (formerly Beck&Bauer)
Aug 25
Phuoc, Sam, Melina- would one of you mind answering this question? please? Are you restricted in some way from asking critical questions of the team/staff?
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PTFC Dave
20 hrs ago
The same dynamic still exists: the STF reporters here might lose their journalists' access if they're seen as "hostile" for asking questions we all want answered. But what level of tough questioning counts as "hostile"? I have no idea what current conditions are like at the club, but the dynamic is undoubtedly there at some level. MP has a notoriously thin skin, so I suspect things are at least somewhat better now than before the club's sale, but no one, the current club included, wants to deal with someone they consider an a**hole.
This dynamic isn't unique to sports - it applies anywhere where journos need to keep their connections open. Trump, for instance, gives interviews on Fox News far more than mainstream outlets because he considers the latter hostile, while he can count on Fox to pitch softball questions. (Harris, meanwhile, hasn't yet sat down for a real interview with *anyone*, though apparently she's about to. But it's with CNN, which could well pitch her softballs too. We'll see.)
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Stefan (formerly Beck&Bauer)
18 hrs ago
Thanks, Dave- I get that, but I'm hoping to hear from one of the STF reporters, to at least let us know what those conditions and restrictions are, or at least their perceptions of the same.
I could envision ways for concerns to be raised without them being considered "hostile" for asking
(i.e. "_____________, many of the fans at our STF site have raised concerns about ____(X)______ issue. Is there anything you can tell me about whether you agree there is reason for concern, why/why not, and if so, what can you say that we can relay to the fans on our site about the club's plans to address this?" etc.)
Ahma keep asking until they answer... I know Phuoc, at least, reads the comments
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Sam responded to the original thread today, I believe.
Here's Sam's response from the other thread, fyi:
"Hi there! Site Manager/Editor in Chief/Guy who is in charge I Guess Sam here.
I completely understand your frustration. This Thorns season has been bumpy, and we have tried to reflect that in our coverage. We try our best to have our coverage and questions cover the general sentiment of the fanbase, while also balancing our jobs as media to be objective, fair, and honest.
Ultimately we aren’t going to be able to ask every single question that fans might want answered. We try our best to be critical when it is called for, and ask hard questions when they are warranted. Without going into too much detail, we have a duty to share the stories and information about the team and get the big questions answered, while also respecting the relationships we have with the club(s). That's not taking sides - it's just a reality of this job (which btw none of us do for a living).
Ultimately, I will back our beat writers and their perspective and what they want to ask or not. Phuoc, Melina, Wilder, et al have all been doing a fantastic job covering the Thorns this year, and I’m proud of their work - especially as essentially the only folks on full-time local coverage. I support them 100% and what they choose to ask or not ask. I hope that our coverage still gives you an insight into the team and helps share their stories, and I hope that you will still follow along.
Please keep the feedback coming! We’re still trying to grow this thing into something that is important and beneficial to you all, and we will continue to strive to do so."
Good discussion!! Leaning a bit Melina’s way in terms of being concerned about the trend/direction of the club this year.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on what’s up with Linnehan that she’s gone from a player many talked so positivity about to one that just barely got a mention in today’s podcast. She always seems dynamic and threatening when she’s in.
Keep ‘em coming, always look forward to a new drop!
I think she has a bright future in football and 100% believe that. I would be shocked if she didn't start next year or the year after as a first choice winger.
The physical adjustment for rookies coming from college is so demanding and not sure she really ever got to rest properly after NCAAs were over. She is going to get more opportunities down the stretch and it will be excited to see her pair up with Soph and another true winger.
Thank you so much for the support, means the world to us!
Is it possible the whole "physical adjustment" and "rest" thingies are way overblown? I never remember even considering rest in my early to mid 20s and I wasn't a finely tuned pro athlete. Not to denigrate their efforts and physical contributions, but is soccer even that demanding a sport, relatively speaking, especially for a forward? I can see someone like Fleming needing rest because she's always running all over the place. Or someone dealing with some knocks.
A week between games and multiple weeks between seasons seems sufficient. Seems like it gets used as a cop-out for not playing younger players. Like, maybe 41-year-old Sinc needs the rest and not 23-year-old Linnehan? I'd actually be more worried that she wouldn't be in game shape when it matters at the end of the season than overuse. Maybe I'm off-base with this. Anyway, just something I've been thinking about for a little while.
I think it’s slightly different for everyone. However, having proper time off to heal after NCAAs is crucial. Remember she didn’t play for a bit because of a knock from college.
She’ll be fully ready down the stretch, these breaks from games have helped.
Couple things:
Recalling Hina's first interview when asked what surprised her most about NWSL and everyone expected physicality, she said speed. Players are fast, style of play is fast.
In college effectively nobody plays 90 and with the substitution rules, it's rare to play 30 without a break. Going pro and having to log at least 60 and often the full 90 is going to place unfamiliar demands on every field player. It's not a switch that's simply flipped and working up to the standard pro workload will put different challenges on each player. Their style will inform how they respond, in part. Your sprinters will be into their anaerobic reserves the soonest.
Exactly. Lots of great points. There are so many variables that go with it and so different for any player.
The point about the rolling substitutions in college is a particularly good one- I've been watching a ton of college soccer lately and it still always surprises me when the star player gets taken off after 30-35 minutes to give them a full half hour rest, and then again to let them re-charge for the end of the match.
(That isn't to say the Thorns coaching staff aren't making errors with playing certain players over others, but it's always good to remember that the real coaches DO know a hell of a lot more than us internet managers about their own players and their fitness levels)
When will we find out about Weaver’s option being picked up? If it’s not, I think there may be a fan revolt.
Well Weaver isn't on this new list of names added today, so I assume news is coming!
https://x.com/theolloydhughes/status/1829562660540551433
(would take Delanie Sheehan tyvm)
Weaver, Spaanstra, and Kozal aren’t on that list. Good to see
Yeah and looks like Sheva, McKenzie, and Asman's options were passed on by the club. All the same moves I would've made.
Taylor's chart is helpful: https://x.com/tayvincent6/status/1829569846583214454
Here is the NWSL list, which doesn’t include Weaver, but does include Spaanstra and Kozal
https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/2025-nwsl-free-agency-tracker
+1. Watched her with UCLA for years, where she was excellent on a likewise dominant squad. Mid/forward if that matters and a gun of a leg.
Turns out still have my "Thorns FC 10 / 16 / 17 / 24 Champions in France" tee.
Will wear it tonight while gazing at the teevee.
LFG
Any player on this list of interest?
https://x.com/soccerdonna/status/1829599360658932213?s=46
Well I sure as hell would take Hutton, but don't think KC will let her go lol...
Otherwise besides the few recognizable names (Caicedo and Matsukubo), I am unfamiliar. I do recognize LLoris, but don't know much about her. I imagine several of those Spanish players are with Barca or their academy teams. I plan on watching some of the U20 World Cup though (beginning this weekend!) US first match is against Spain (woof!)