Match Preview & Discussion Thread: Portland Thorns v Gotham FC

The NWSL is back baby and The Thorns head to NYC to play Gotham

The Thorns are back in action today August 24th at 11:30 am PST. They will take on Gotham who sits in fourth place while Portland currently holds the fifth spot. The match will be streamed on CBS and Paramount+.

It’s hard to say how the teams will come out after the Olympic break and some changes for both sides. Notably, The Thorns now have Mackenzie Arnold, Reilyn Turner, and Alexa Spaanstra. Gotham also signed some new players during the break including Portuguese forward Jéssica Silva.

The last time the two teams met was at the beginning of the season and The Thorns fell 0-1. The lone goal came from Esther Gonzales in the 72nd minute.

Some Players to watch out for

Gotham:

Jess Carter- A new acquisition from Chelsea, Carter is a talented player, it will be interesting to see how she translates into the NWSL

Esther Gonzales- The Spanish player scored the lone goal the last time the teams played. She is a solid forward and will be a challenge throughout the game.

Portland

Mackenzie Arnold- Portland’s newest goalie returns from Olympic play, it will be her opportunity to show us what she’s got.

Alexa Spaanstra- A new acquisition from KC Current, she was drafted 10th overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft. This season Spaanstra has appeared in 11 matches, eight of them starts, and has recorded a goal and an assist.

Predicted Lineup

Portland:

Mackenzie

Müller-Hubly-Sauerbrunn-Reyes

Fleming-Moultrie-Sugita

Linnehan- Sinclair - Spaanstra

Gotham

Berger

Nighswonger-Carter-Bruninha-Martin

Sheehan-Davidson-Lavelle

Stevens-Stengel-Dunn

Discussion:

What are your hopes for the match? Any predictions?