The day has come. With a win, the Thorns will advance to the semifinals; Otherwise, their playoff run and season is over.
How they come into this match
Who's the opponent: San Diego Wave FC, a team that is unbeaten in four straight meetings with Portland in all competitions (W2 D2), with both 2025 meetings ending in 1-1 draws.
Portland comes to this game as the third seed, a spot that might have been unexpected to many. The Thorns secured their playoff berth with an 11-8-7 record and after amassing 40 points.
The Thorns are riding sky-high confidence for achieving such a feat and after finishing its regular season with consecutive multi-goal shutout wins. Another important thing is the home-field advantage, with Providence Park being one of the most hostile environments to play in.
In the case of San Diego, this will be their third playoff appearance in four seasons. They secured their playoff spot with 37 points, which placed them sixth.
Strengths and weaknesses
Portland's midfield is no doubt the strongest part of the team and if they can dominate, then they might end up victorious. However, if the team is disconnected between its lines, then they'll pay the price. Of course, they can always believe that individualities – such as Olivia Moultrie's devilish right foot on a free kick – will save the day but they need others to step up too.
On the other hand, San Diego likes possession but that's not all. They tend to dominate the game when they have the ball. It's possession with intention and they demonstrated so in the first half when they played against the all-mighty Kansas City in their last match of the regular season.
The connection between Kenza Dali and Delphine Cascarino can be crucial for the outcome of this game, as well as San Diego taking its chances. Let's remember they had a four-match goalless streak around June that only ended when they played Portland.
Availabilities
Portland Thorns:
Out: Mimi Alidou (excused absence), Julie DuFour (SEI - knee), Caiya Hanks (SEI – knee), Marie Müller (SEI – knee), Nicole Payne (SEI – knee), Olivia Wade-Katoa (maternity leave), Morgan Weaver (SEI – knee), Sophia Wilson (maternity leave)
Questionable: Valerin Loboa (knee), MA Vignola (ankle)
International duty: None
Even though M.A. Vignola is still questionable, it's good to know that at least the team will be able to count on Pietra Tordin for this crucial match. Another healthy attacker is always welcome.
Availability updates on Pietra Tordin, M.A. Vignola, & Valerin Loboa #BAONPDX
— Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) ✍️ (@Phuocerman) November 8, 2025
"I think we're very similar last week, but unfortunately, only probably one slightly better off. All year long, squad depth is a challenge."
In open portion of training, looks like PT is most ready.
San Diego Wave:
Out: Melanie Barcenas (foot), Savannah McCaskill (foot), Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (SEI – lower extremity)
Questionable: None
International duty: None
Players to watch
For Portland, we have to name the team's top goalscorer, Olivia Moultrie. She not only became the league's highest scoring teenager in September but also led the NWSL in shots involvements (122), chances created (54), and third in shot attempts (68).
Her presence has become so pivotal that Moultrie has played in all 26 regular-season matches, coming from the bench only twice.
On the other hand, we have San Diego's Dudinha, whose presence in the final third in the last five games has been noteworthy.
She has featured in the NWSL Best XI for October/November after scoring five goals and registering one assist. She's been with the Wave just a few months, but she's already reached a club milestone by scoring in three consecutive games, something that was only achieved by Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw previously. Added to that, she's tied this season's goal record of five goals, a record set by Delphine Cascarino and Kenza Dali.
How to watch
Head to Providence Park if you can. The kick-off is set for 12 PM PT. If not, then tune in to ABC to watch.
Who will be moving on to the semifinals to face Washington Spirit?
Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)
