Match Preview & Discussion Thread: Portland Thorns vs Bay FC

On Christine Sinclair Day, the Portland Thorns will host Bay FC, searching to cut their three-match winless streak.

Odds are not in their favor, because the visitors have won back-to-back matches against Portland. Will they be able to stretch the win streak to three? If so, the Thorns will be the second team Bay defeats in three straight meetings in all competitions besides Racing Louisville.

Honoring Christine Sinclair

There's not much to say about Christine Sinclair that hasn't been said yet, except for "Build the statue!"

Other than that, retiring her shirt is a good start. Nobody will ever be able to match what she did for Portland or mean so much. Hopefully, future generations can follow her steps and be big for the team but for now, she's hands down Portland Thorns' GOAT.

No doubt it will be a memorable moment and hopefully, the Thorns can gift her the win.

High stakes and young forwards

Bay is at the bottom of the table along with Chicago and is winless in its last 11 matches. However, as we previously stated, they were able to win against Portland in their latest encounter. Besides and interestingly enough, they drew against Gotham, a team against where the Thorns looked lifeless.

The truth is, Bay will come to this game hungry and with nothing to lose, while the Thorns' panorama is different. Portland has lost enough points and keeps falling from the ladder. They're sixth in the table right now and only two points separate them from the last playoff spot.

What is more, if they lose against Bay, they might fall out of playoff positions altogether.

Coach Rob Gale is putting a lot of expectations on this young roster, and the last game against Gotham was a big one for two 18-year-old young phenoms. One was Valerin Loboa and the other was Laila Harbert who made their debuts in the second half.

Portland Thorns: Valerin Loboa and Laila Harbert share their excitement after making NWSL debuts + M.A Vignola’s first media availability

The one positive from the Portland Thorns’ road loss at NJ/NY Gotham FC was undoubtedly the debuts of young phenoms, Valerin Loboa and Laila Harbert. In the 61st minute, Harbert subbed on for former Portland Thorn and newly traded, Hina Sugita... In the 84th minute, Loboa replaced Deyna Castellanos.

Stumptown FootyPhuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)

We couldn't see much from them in a difficult match where Gotham was in the driver's seat the entire time. However, the opponent this week might give them more space and time to work on and hopefully, show their abilities and potential. That said, we expect that at least one of them starts, maybe the one who has more chances to do so is Loboa.

With Hina Sugita gone, there's not much depth in the only line Portland could say had some depth and hopefully, they won't have to deal with any more injuries for the rest of the season.

Exclusive: Portland Thorns President & General Manager Jeff Agoos discusses Hina Sugita trade to Angel City FC, acquiring M.A. Vignola, and more

Today, the Portland Thorns announced that they have acquired M.A. Vignola and $600,000 in intraleague transfer funds from Angel City FC for star midfielder Hina Sugita. I had a chance to speak with Thorns President and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos to discuss the trade, why

Stumptown FootyPhuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)

We are also eager to see what M.A. Vignola brings to the table, a more seasoned defender, someone the team desperately needed, especially at fullback. Hopefully, she can find consistency and help there too.

There's not much room, if any, for Portland to keep dropping points and they need a win to breathe a little.

Do not miss the game at 7 PM PT. Go to Providence Park disguised as the GOAT if you have the chance, or watch on ION.