Key Transactions
With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup just over 30 days away, Portland will be without five players for Saturday’s contest due to international duty. Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, defender Emily Sonnett, as well as midfielders Lindsey Horan and Tobin Heath all entered camp with the U.S. Women’s National Team last week to begin preparations for their title defense. Forward Christine Sinclair, the club’s leading goal-scorer, will also be away from the team as she has begun pre-World Cup camp with the Canadian National Team.
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Portland has started its 2019 campaign unbeaten through three contests, boasting a 1-0-2 record. Prior to their weekend off this past week, the Thorns previously defeated the Pride in the respective season opener for both clubs and drew their next two contests in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Chicago and a 2-2 result at Sky Blue FC.
Who’s Hot
The Thorns will have to find new scoring outlets this weekend if they wish to earn a result against the Pride, as six of their eight goals this year have come from players that will not be on the field this weekend. Christine Sinclair has found the back of the net three times this season, with Tobin Heath adding two and Emily Sonnett with one to round out those now away on international duty.
Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic and Caitlin Foord are the only two expected to be on the field this weekend that have scored for the Thorns this season, with Meghan Klingenberg being the only non-goal scorer to contribute with two assists.
Head-to-Head
Following a 2-0 defeat in the season opener on April 14, the Pride now hold a 1-7-1 record against the Thorns throughout Club history. On Saturday, Orlando will look for its first win at home against the 2018 NWSL Championship runners-up, with the Club’s lone victory coming last season at Providence Park on May 12 by a score of 2-1.
Rasmussen College Fun Fact
In that 2-1 victory over the Thorns last season, backup goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom was in net for the Thorns. Eckerstrom will more than likely occupy that same role on Saturday, with goalkeeper Adrianna Franch now with the U.S. Women’s National Team. That victory also came just one day shy of a year ago from Saturday’s looming contest.
