With playoff contention on the line for both teams, this is a Week 25 matchup you won't want to miss.
Week 25 could not be more complicated with eight teams fighting for five playoff spots, Angel City and Portland included. Although this isn't NWSL Decision Day, the implications could prove season-ending for some. To break it down, Portland will clinch a playoff spot with a win. Angel City, on the other hand, will only stay in contention if they win and Racing Louisville lose.
Match Preview
These are two teams rely on their ability to move the ball around the pitch and less on their physicality. What we will be looking for from both teams is the potential to capitalize on transition moments and counter attacks. The Thorns will be facing their own Hina Sugita who has been controlling the movement through the middle of the field for Angel City. She's started both of her appearances with her new club and has proved crucial on the attack. Alongside her in midfield, will be Nealy Martin who has provided a steady presence for ACFC. Also playing against her former team is defender M.A. Vignola who has started both of her appearances for the Thorns. Vignola has been making clean and crucial decisions for a fluctuating Portland defense.
Both teams have had a recent history of low scoring games, the biggest question will be, who takes the lead first, if ever? Portland, like Angel City, have struggled to create opportune chances in the final third. Most likely, we'll be seeing the rookies in the league stepping up to bring their teams closer to a playoff spot. The rookies to look out for are Pietra Tordin (POR) and Riley Tiernan (ACFC), both strong attackers for their respective sides. However, both players are on cold-streaks with Tordin's last goal on August 10 (Seattle Reign) and Tiernan's last goal on September 1 (Bay FC). If one of them can find the back of the net, it could be the game-winner.
If both teams are taking the road to the playoffs seriously, then we should be seeing two teams battling for possession, coming out on the front foot, and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities whenever they come.
Players to Watch
The last time that a healthy Thorns forward scored a goal was back in August. Since then, Olivia Moultrie has led the charge and has proven to capitalize on critical chances for her team. In case you missed it, Moultrie has stunned with her set pieces.
SET. PIECE. QUEEN. Olivia Moultrie grabs her second goal of the game!
— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-10-05T03:37:21.408Z
Christen Press and Ali Riley both announced their retirements after this season and will be celebrating their accomplishments at this match. Knowing how loved and part of the ACFC community they are, there's no doubt that if Press plays, she'll be leaving it out on the field today. Riley has been dealing with injuries for the past couple seasons, but the support of the community behind her will make the energy at BMO Stadium comparable to that of Providence Park.
On the Portland side, it's unclear who will take the reins and score. They certainly can't keep relying on Moultrie creating chances and scoring from set pieces; if Portland has a chance to move forward to the playoffs, they need to prove to themselves that they can drive into the box and finish. Angel City has an environment as palpable as Portland and the Thorns will be up against a motivated, nothing-to-lose opponent. They must come out on the front foot and maintain that momentum throughout the match.
Availability Report
Portland Thorns
SEI/ML: Morgan Weaver, Marie Müller, Nicole Payne, Caiya Hanks, Julie Dufour, Olivia Wade-Katoa, Sophia Wilson
"TBD. Without giving anything away, we got a couple banged-up players that we're monitoring."
Don't be surprised to see changes to the starting XI based on what Rob Gale mentioned in the pregame media availability.
Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)
How to Watch
Catch the Thorns vs Angel City at BMO Stadium at 2pm PST or stream on ESPN and ESPN+
