Match Preview & Discussion Thread: Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave

After three weeks away, the Portland Thorns are back at Providence Park tonight to take on San Diego Wave FC in their Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

With 6 games left in the regular season, this 4 vs. 5 matchup has huge implications in the NWSL standings, and the sought after opportunity to host a home playoff game. The Thorns and Wave are just 2 of the 4 teams that are currently tied for the 3rd place spot, all with 30 points.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm PST with streaming available on ion. Here is your match preview along with a place to chat throughout the game!

Preview

Would it be nearing the end of the NWSL regular season if this wasn't what the table was currently looking like?

A team that came into the 2025 season vastly underrated, the San Diego Wave have put together an impressive resume against the odds. It's one that has catapulted them into a position near the top of the table as we near the NWSL postseason.

But still, the Wave have not been competing at their best form as of late. Scoreless in their last four matches, the Wave have given up 6 total goals in losses to Gotham FC, the Houston Dash, and Racing Louisville, with a 0-0 draw in Seattle.

However, the Wave will be facing a Portland back line that many would argue have also not been at their best form as of late.

While the final results have have turned out differently for the Thorns, this team has also given up 6 goals in their last 4, which were against the Chicago Stars, Racing Louisville, the Utah Royals and the Kansas City Current.

The last time these two teams met was at Snapdragon Stadium back in May when Jayden Perry delivered the 1-1 equalizer in classic JP style, via a PK in the 98th minute.

This time around, Portland head coach Rob Gale, believes his team is in a great position to earn (what could be a critical) 3 points at home – and are "on the verge of giving a team some goals."

My question for you – who are the players that will give the Wave "some goals" tonight?

Availability Report

Despite this week's concerns about the health of Isa Obaze, she will be available for the Thorns tonight versus the Wave.

Gale told the media that this is a "chronic problem" Obaze has faced for as long as she's been a member of this club – more specifically he described it as an "achilles/lower leg flare up."

Gale assured the media this week that the club has explored a variety of treatment options for Obaze, and are learning how to better manage her pain and performance when a "flare up" is occurring.

Otherwise, there are no surprises on this week's NWSL availability report, and no word from Gale about any other absences to expect from his team heading int0 tonight.

Discussion Thread