Match Details & Discussion Thread: Thorns vs. Dash
Come chat about the Thorns' return from the international break as they host the Dash!
Have a thought to share as you watch the match? Need a place to vent? Come chat about in the comments section of this thread on the Stumptown Footy Substack site!
The Portland Thorns (2-0-0) are back in action as they host the Houston Dash (1-0-1) in a Friday night clash under the lights of Providence Park.
Storylines so far
When we last saw the Thorns, Sophia Smith was scoring hat tricks and the defending NWSL champs were looking every bit like their pedigree.
The Thorns are undefeated through two games, and have scored eight goals in the process, piling up a +7 goal differential. They look like the juggernaut the ended the season as last year, and even though it is still very early days they look all the world as if they will be in the conversation for multiple pieces of silverware when all is said and done in October.
Their next opponent is a Houston Dash team that has a revamped offense. Led by their front line of Diana Ordóñez, Ebony Salmon, and María Sánchez, Houston is very much seeking to build off of making the playoffs last year and make some noise in the NWSL. They haven’t lost, and will pose a good test for the Thorns.
Oh, and in case the lead image doesn’t make it clear, that jersey is also making it’s debut tonight. Buckle up.
Pregame reading
ICYMI, Wilder recapped Portland’s thumping 4-1 win over the Kansas City Current
Wilder also put together a preview of what to expect in tonight’s game
Phuoc Nguyen compiled his power rankings after two weeks of NWSL games (no surprises who is at the top).
And the Thorns made a signing! Adriana Leon is a Thorn and could be making her debut tonight.
How to watch
Location: Providence Park | Portland, OR
Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Watch: CBS Sports Network (no streaming)
Lineups
Portland Thorns
Houston Dash
We have GOT to move and pass more quickly! You bet every other club is going to watch this tape to see how to shut this team down. Norris mentioned this as a problem in preseason, and once a decent opponent showed up it was a problem again.
I think Orlando and KC are genuinely poor, and we came in with an unrealistically high expectation of our attack. Tonight showed us how much work remains to be done.