Key Transactions
While the Thorns have not made any recent transactions, they do have the majority of their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup players back with the team with the exception of their four U.S. Women’s National Team team members. Australian internationals Ellie Carpenter, Hayley Raso, and Caitlin Foord have all made their first appearances since returning from France along with Brazilian midfielder Andressinha and prolific Canadian forward Christine Sinclair, with all five expected to be available for selection on Sunday.
Recent Form
The Thorns have taken five points out of their last four contests, boasting a 1-1-2 record in that stretch, including a loss last weekend league leaders’ Reign FC. Portland have been shutout twice during that stretch, finding the back of the net just three times across its last four contests.
Who’s Hot
Midge Purce has taken the title of leading scorer for the Thorns while Sinclair and Foord were away at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Purce has now totaled five goals in the 2019 season, having scored all five of those in Portland’s last six contests. Sinclair and Foord trail Purce with three goals apiece this season.
Head-to-Head
The Pride have dropped their previous two matches to the Thorns this season in a 2-0 loss on April 14 and a 3-1 defeat on May 11, both at then-named Orlando City Stadium, now holding a 1-8-1 record against the 2018 NWSL Championship runners-up in Club history. Sunday’s match will be the first for the Pride at Providence Park since they came away with a 2-1 victory on May 12 of last season, good for their first win over the Thorns in Club history.
Rasmussen College Fun Fact
Sunday’s match will mark the Pride first visit to the newly-renovated Providence Park. During the last year, Portland added around 4,000 seats and additional upgrades to their venue. While the construction was underway, the Thorns were forced to open the season on the road, playing their first six games away from home. The last time the Pride were in Portland, they defeated the home side 2-1 for the Club’s first-ever win over the Thorns.
