Preview | Portland Thorns at Angel City FC
Can they pick up their first win post Olympics?
The Portland Thorns are in the midst of their worst run of form in history. They have dropped four straight regular season matches for the first time (five straight losses to NWSL opponents in all competitions). Can they finally get a much-needed result?
The Thorns have almost run out of their playoff cushion and now only stand two points above the playoff line. North Carolina and Chicago Red Stars have already passed them while Racing Louisville and Bay FC are now right behind them. With their playoff hopes dwindling, Angel City FC will be going all-out in this match, as a win could reignite those hopes.
Portland finally has Morgan Weaver back in the lineup. Rob Gale finally rolled out a lineup with two traditional wingers against San Diego Wave in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and will need to rely on it once again. They are playing their third match in nine days which is a concern, but don’t play again until next Saturday.
The struggles have come from both attack and defense. They’ve only scored two goals and have allowed eight goals (two goals per match average) since play resumed. If they’re going to get back on track, this team needs to put in a performance on Monday.
Soph Smith was pulled out of the game against San Diego and will be out. Reilyn Turner will be a name to look out for who just scored her second goal for her new club. Morgan Weaver is still on a minutes restriction, but should get more minutes. Hina Sugita did not travel with the team and is looking at an extended absence. Without Hina, expect the Thorns to rely on Jessie Fleming as a natural box to box eight in the formation - this is her best role & will be crucial down the stretch.
After surrendering their 2-0 lead late against San Diego Wave to lose 2-3, the Portland Thorns need a strong bounce back performance to have any chance of making a late run, but also make the playoffs. Make no mistake, they’re the better team this Monday. However, they are not playing like it and Angel City FC at home are good enough to take advantage of another sloppy performance.
Projected Starting XI
4-3-3
Mackenzie “Macca” Arnold
Nicole Payne/Marie Müller - Kelli Hubly/Isa Obaze - Becky Sauerbrunn - Reyna Reyes
Jessie Fleming - Sam Coffey - Olivia Moultrie
Alexa Spaanstra - Reilyn Turner - Morgan Weaver
Could the Portland Thorns change it up? It’s been overdue.
3-5-2
Mackenzie “Macca” Arnold
Kelli Hubly - Becky Sauerbrunn - Isa Obaze
Marie Müller- Olivia Moultrie - Sam Coffey - Jessie Fleming - Reyna Reyes
Alexa Spaanstra/Reilyn Turner - Morgan Weaver
Key of the Match: Since returning to play, Angel City has scored in every game and have won both games they held their opponents to one goal or less. A shutout for either side seems unlikely and it’ll be a race to two goals. Whoever reaches two will win this match. Portland has not done that since May 17 (Houston Dash).
As the poet laureate, Popeye T. Sailorman put it, and I quote:
"That's all I Ken stands. I Ken't stands no more!"
I just want to see some different things tonight, especially now that we're 100% less Kenergy.
Given that we're barely hanging onto 7th place, that Soph and Hina are out, and that Gale and KK either need to commit to the future or hit the bricks, here's what I'd like to see tonight and from here on out as often as possible:
GK: Arnold
D: Reyes, Obaze, Bruun, Muller (subs Payne and Hubly)
M: Coffey, Fleming, Moultrie (subs Hirst and Sheva)
F: Spaanstra, Linnehan, Turner (subs Weaver and D'Aquila)
It's time to see what the younger players can do and if they can do it together.
It's time to see if Fleming and Moultrie can find a way to coexist in a mutually-beneficial way.
And it's time to take some minutes off of anchors like Bruun and Coffey, and make sure Weaver remains healthy.