The Portland Thorns are coming off consecutive match wins, and are now set to honor USWNT legend, Tobin Heath at Providence Park.
After a 1-2 defeat on the road to Denver Summit, PTFC look to get their revenge back home in the Rose City, today at 5:45 p.m (ION).
Here's everything you need to know before the match:
Tobin 'F***ING' Heath
The legend played in the Rose City from 2013-2020 and made a lasting impression on and off the pitch.
She will be honored prior to the match at Providence Park and will speak to the media as well.
It's been a long overdue honor for the USWNT magician, and with the one-day contract signed, Tobin Heath will retire a Portland Thorn.
#4 Portland Thorns vs #11 Denver Summit FC Preview
What to Expect:
Although the numbers look close from their first ever matchup, that is quite deceiving.
It was Denver with the majority of the momentum. And if you take out Soph Wilson's penalty kick, Portland only generated 0.77 xG...
The expansion side had 59% for the match, but dominated with the ball at 69% in the first half, before the Thorns flipped the switch with 53% in the second half.
If PTFC are going to be successful, they'll need to be on the front foot and have more possession to alleviate the pressure on their backline.
Both teams will have their hands full as they will likely employ high presses and similar pressing triggers from the first match. Whoever handles it best will likely come out with three points.
Head Coach Nick Cushing, is tactically flexible, so you could see some new wrinkles in this rematch.
What to look for: Crosses
The Denver Summit are fourth in the NWSL with 4.9 accurate crosses per match.
On the opposite end, the Portland Thorns have continued to struggle mightily in box defense...
Portland's advantage: Set Pieces
Even though the Summit have allowed the fourth least set-piece goals with just three, the Thorns have scored the most with eight.
Captain Obvious
No need to find Sherlock Holmes. The Portland Thorns are going to have to rely on their starpower up front.
Pietra Tordin and Soph Wilson will have to carry the bulk of the attack until Caiya Hanks and Morgan Weaver comes on in the second half.
X-Factor: Deyna Castellanos
Robert Vilahamn: "When I came in and started to coach, Olivia took that spot because I think she was extremely high quality and could adapt quickly to do that. In the way I want to play, I don't play with one six and two tens, which means I try to find ways to play Deyna, because I think Deyna is an extremely good footballer, but she's definitely a 10, and I think her strength is when she's a 10. That's been tough for her because she hasn't played many minutes, because I played Olivia 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes.
Pietra was a 9 who became a winger, and then we started to drop the winger as a second 10. Deyna can do that, but I think she's not the same out-of-possession player, so she's a 10 — she should play as a 10. When Olivia got the injury, I was feeling like I could put Pietra back in the 10 because she's good, and then play another winger.
But the main thing is I felt like Deyna definitely deserved to get the chance now to play. She's been there for 18 games, not playing, not starting, keep fighting, having discussions with me, being outside the roster a few times. So for me, I needed to show her that I believe in her and that she's going to get the chance to play. I think she's had two good games — she's shining in training, so she's got a good chance to keep playing in that role, because Pietra is still quite good on the wing as well and scores a few goals there. So there's good competition, and a good way of having two different players who can still play together. There's 10 more games and hopefully the playoffs, and I think it's going to be."
Players to Watch
- Janine Sonis (FB) - The former Portland Thorn is playing the best football of her career and already has 12 goal contributions (8 goals and 4 assists). From the outside back position, she's been able to produce time and time again for the expansion side.
- Yazmeen Ryan (Winger) - Another former Portland Thorn who has been finding her form as of late. Ryan is up to eight goal contributions (five goals and three assists). She has scored in back-to-back games and can score in so many different ways. Against a shaky backline, she'll have goalscoring opportunities.
- Eva Gaetino (CB) - Will the center-back be able to play after leaving the last match early?
Lindsey Heaps will be unavailable due to knee injury
The USWNT midfielder played a huge role in the 2-1 win earlier this season, but has been out of action since August 2.
Goalkeeper Abby Smith will also be unavailable for the expansion side.
PTFC shorthanded due to injuries
OUT: Marie Müller (Hip), Isabelle Obaze (Thigh), Reilyn Turner (Knee), Morgan Weaver (Excused Absence)
The Germany international is a surprise omission and has played crucial minutes at winger and fullback.
The Denmark international has started the past few matches alongside Perry and will likely be replaced by either Carolyn Calzada or Sam Hiatt.
Turner is nearing a return as soon as next week at Gotham FC.
Morgan Weaver is also out for the team.
Prematch presser with Jayden "JP" Perry and Robert Vilahamn
- New state-of-the-art facility
- The backline and team's defense - what are they looking at there
- The amount of rotation and trying to build a rapport
- Sam Hiatt and Reyna Reyes
- Updates on Reilyn Turner and Julie Dufour
- Nina Nijstad's first few starts
- The 10 position moving forward
Renee Lyles Contract Extension
It was announced that the former non-roster invitee and rookie attacker Renee Lyles has signed a brand new contract extension through the 2027 season.
She discussed her journey with us:
Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)
Melina's Corner: Film Review of Portland Thorns' 2-1 win over Orlando Pride
