Portland Thorns @ Orlando Pride Preview w/ Sean Rollins of The Mane Land

We have a special guest joining us to preview the match between Orlando and Portland.

Morgan Weaver scored Portland’s first goal of 2023 against the Orlando Pride. Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer / Thorns FC

The Portland Thorns are coming off their best win of the season at Lumen Field against OL Reign. They now take a trip to Exploria Stadium to face the Orlando Pride (Sunday, June 11 at 4pm PST on CBS Sports Net). Portland is on the second of their three game road trip.

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We are grateful to Sean Rollins of The Mane Land for joining us to preview the Portland Thorns at Orlando Pride match.

Stumptown Footy: Can you talk to us about the job Seb Hines has done?

Sean Rollins of The Mane Land:
Seb Hines has done well so far but was thrown into a very difficult situation. He took over a team falling apart last year because of the Amanda Cromwell issues. However, the players seem to love him and his first team assistant Giles Barnes. Hines has spoken several times about changing the culture of the team. He's implemented his style and the players have really taken to it. I think more important than the results is the development of the young players and some of them have taken noticeable leaps this year.

STF: Orlando was on an unbeaten run of four games, but their last two matches have resulted in losses. What has happened the past two matches?

Sean Rollins of The Mane Land:

The Pride absolutely dominated the Chicago Red Stars in every way two games ago but were unable to finish their chances. The inability to finish was the story of that game. The issue in Houston was more defensive, especially in the first half. They gave up the ball in their own third multiple times, providing chances for the Dash. Hines said after the game it was about the basics of completing passes. They were much better in the second half but unable to hit the target. So finishing ended up being a problem again.

STF: Messiah Bright has been a bright spot for the team this year, what have you've seen from her play? Who else has been a bright spot?

Sean Rollins of The Mane Land:

Messiah Bright has a unique combination of speed and power. We've seen her push the ball past defenders, beat them to it, and use her size to shield defenders to create a shot. Another bright spot (other than the stars like Adriana) has been Emily Madril. She's played right back and center back and played well most of the time. She's had some rookie mistakes, as expected with a young player thrown into a starting role, but you can see why they selected her with the third overall pick.

STF: What matchup are you most looking forward to?

Sean Rollins of The Mane Land:

It will be interesting to see how Emily Madril and Megan Montefusco deal with Portland's press. Christine Sinclair pressed the center backs hard in the first game, creating turnovers. Montefusco didn't play in that game and Madril has definitely improved. They struggled with Houston's press, so it will be interesting if they can do better.

STF: Score prediction and why?

Sean Rollins of The Mane Land:

My prediction is 2-0 Thorns. The Pride haven't been able to score recently and the Thorns are a tough team to break down. The defense has definitely improved since the first game, but Portland will punish defenders when they make mistakes.

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Stumptown Footy’s Prediction

Seb Hines has done an amazing job with the Orlando Pride. Seeing and the culture change from the previous staff is huge. He is going to be a coach of the year candidate along with Sean Nahas of North Carolina Courage.

They’ve outshot their opponents in the past two games, but came away with 0 goals. Orlando have only scored 7 goals on the season with 4 of those coming at home.

Portland has scored 25 goals with 12 coming on the road. 7 of those were in two games against Kansas City Current and NCC. Their only loss of the season was at Houston.

Orlando’s record is very deceiving as they have been competitive and even the better team in a good number of their games. They have young and veteran stars throughout their roster. This is going to be a tough game, but with the return of Becky Sauerbrunn, full fitness of Emily Menges, and the always-reliable Kelli Hubly, Portland is going to find a way to win this game. Reyna Reyes, Natalia Kuikka, and Meghan Klingenberg will have plenty of chances to go forward and join the attack.

The high press will be the key to this game. The team who can handle and get past will create havoc and a ton of opportunities.

The Thorns’ midfield of Dunn, Coffey, and Olivia or Sincy should dictate this game. Sophia Smith snapped her scoring drought and looks to add to her tally against Madril and Montefusco. Morgan Weaver has been on an incredible run of form on the left wing and Hina Sugita will continue her hybrid role in the midfield and right wing.

Final Prediction: Portland wins 3-1
Goals: Sophia Smith with a brace (POR), Crystal Dunn (POR), Messiah Bright (ORL)
Assists: Morgan Weaver, Olivia Moultrie, Hina Sugita, Erika Tymrak

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Projected Starting XIs

Portland: 4-3-3

Bixby
Natu - Hubly - Menges - Kling
Sincy - Coffey - Dunn
Sugita - Smith - Weaver
*Sinclair and Moultrie have been rotating starts

Orlando: 4-2-3-1

Moorhouse
McCutcheon - Montefusco - Madril - Strom
Abello - Cluff
Adriana - Tymrak - Marta
Bright

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Could this be a trap game for Portland?