Preview & Match Thread | CONCACAF Champions Cup: Portland Thorns FC vs Santa Fé FC
The Portland Thorns are on short rest and playing in their fourth game of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
What: Portland Thorns vs Santa Fé (Matchday #4)
When: 7:30pm
Where: Providence Park
Streaming/TV: Paramount+ & ESPN Deportes
Coming off a gut-wrenching loss at San Diego last time out in the inaugural Champions Cup, has dropped Portland down to third place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup group stage (they have a game in hand over Club América). They surrendered a 2-0 lead to drop a road game 2-3 all in the late second half. However, it is clear that winning these final two group stage games against Santa Fé & Vancouver Whitecaps is imperative to give them a chance to advance to the knockouts. The final match between Club América & San Diego Wave will be crucial too.
The Portland Thorns are in one of the poorest forms in club history. They have not won an NWSL regular season match since July 5 (0-5-1). However, they have found some success in CONCACAF Champions Cup with an 3-1 win over Club América on September 4, which also happens to be their last win in any competition.
Since then, América has run up the goal differential with a 7-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps and 5-0 win over Santa Fé. The +10 goal differential will be one to look out for in Portland’s final two opponents, starting tonight against their Panamanian side, Santa Fé FC.
With the 0-2 loss in regular season play on Saturday, Portland is on severe short rest and will rotate mightily. This will be a great chance for the young players to get minutes and an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Projected Starting XI
3-5-2
Shelby Hogan
Meghan Klingenberg - Kelli Hubly - Nicole Payne
Alexa Spaanstra - Olivia Wade-Katoa - Sophie Hirst - Marissa Sheva - Mallie McKenzie
Izzy D’Aquila - Payton Linnehan
OUT: Reilyn Turner (Knee), Sophia Smith (Ankle), Hina Sugita (Face)
Sarah Lowdon: “Soph is kind of week to week. No update on her (Hina) right now.”
The staff expects to get more updates this week.
Expect Rob Gale to make his return tonight (illness) or on Saturday versus Utah Royals.
Players To Watch:
Payton Linnehan: For whatever reason, she has been left out of game day rosters before being back on Saturday. It’s time for her to cook defenders and score goals. Expect her to find the back of the net and provide service.
Sophie Hirst: Sarah Lowdon knows her game very well and will have an opportunity to operate as the six for an entire game. The PNW native is expected to make her first start today.
Alexa Spaanstra: As a pure winger, it’s very difficult for her to find a role in this system. Also, she is primarily a left-sided winger. Expect the Portland Thorns to try to play her as a wingback so she can still join in attack.
Mallie McKenzie: Whether she plays as a wingback or a center back does not matter one bit. She needs the minutes to develop. Mike Norris originally brought her into the roster to convert her to center back, hopefully that’s where she’ll end up tonight.
Olivia Wade-Katoa: The rookie midfielder has received very limited opportunities and needs to make the most of her time tonight. Her versatility will have a chance to be on full display in this CONCACAF Champions Cup encounter.
Who are you most excited to see play tonight? Which young player do you think has the most upside?
My actual biggest takeaway from that half, opposition acknowledged, is that you cannot tell me that Linnehan would not have really helped in certain moments this season.
Well, I'm glad Rob is healthy. Now he needs to leave.