Game Thread | CONCACAF W Champions Cup - Portland Thorns at San Diego Wave | Match Day #2
Which NWSL side will take control of Group B?
What: Portland Thorns at San Diego Wave
When: 7pm
Where: Snapdragon Stadium
Streaming: CBS Sports Network, Paramount +
Both clubs are tied in Group B with three points apiece with a game in hand over Club América and Vancouver Whitecaps. The winner of this match will likely finish first in the group making it a must-win for both sides to avoid NJ/NY Gotham FC in the semifinals.
Landon Donovan is the interim coach of San Diego Wave and they just picked up his first regular season win against Utah Royals on the road. He is 1-2-1 since taking over (regular season play). They opened their CONCACAF W Champions Cup with a 2-0 road victory over Santa Fe on August 20.
The Portland Thorns and Rob Gale have only one regular season win in their last eight and it came against the Wave on July 5. Their last win in any competition came against Club América at home on September 4.
With a win, making it into the knockout stage is all but guaranteed. Both teams are coming off heavy minutes over the weekend, but Portland had an extra day off compared to San Diego.
Expect both teams to rotate quite a bit to keep their squads fresher. Both teams are struggling and not in-form. San Diego playing at home gives them a slight edge, and they will have goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan back. This game will come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes possessing the ball in their own half. It’ll be a tough games for both sides to gain control. Expect much more direct play than usual.
Projected Portland Starting XI
Nicole Payne - Kelli Hubly - Isa Obaze - Meghan Klingenberg
Jessie Fleming - Sophie Hirst - Olivia Moultrie
Payton Linnehan - Izzy D’Aquila - Reilyn Turner
If Gale makes it to Monday's game, this organization is not serious.
Honestly these performances are getting so bad I'm losing interest in even watching.