The Portland Thorns head on the road to take on a new-look Orlando Pride led by interim head coach Yolanda Thomas.
PTFC are coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw and will look to end a three-match winless streak.
What to Expect - #6 at #11
Portland has struggled on the road mightily, with just a record of 4W-6L-2D meanwhile Orlando have been solid at 6W-5L-1D.
In the first match between the two sides, it was the Pride who had the better of it, but still fell short 1-2.
Expect this match to be a sloppy game in possession as both clubs are ranked in the bottom three (46.1% and 44.6%). With the homefield advantage, expect interim head coach Yolanda Thomas' side to have the better of it in possession.
Both teams prefer to be on the counter and take advantage of opportunities in transition. Having more possession will typically be against the side who has the bulk of it.
By The Numbers
In the two matches (1W-0L-1D) led by Thomas, Barbra Banda has rediscovered her early season form with three goals and an assist.
Led by CB Rafaelle, Orlando are second in tackles, third in interceptions, and have allow just an xG of 33.1 (7th fewest in NWSL).
Set Pieces. Set Pieces. Set Pieces.
Both teams are in the bottom half in set piece goals allowed, with the Thorns at six and Pride at seven.
Why is this so important for the home side? They've earned 120 corner kicks on the season, fifth-most in the league.
How about the visitors? PTFC have scored eight goals off set pieces and that will likely be their biggest advantage in the match.
Don't expect penalty kicks in this match as the two sides have combined to allow just three on the season.
Downward Trends
The struggles have been compounded in attack and defense, and it's been even more obvious over the past few weeks.
They've given up 23 points from winning positions - that's the most ever by any team since the stat was implemented.
Portland have also given up 11 goals in the last 15 minutes of games...
And lastly, their attack has all hit a drought with zero open play goals in over three games.
Unless these troubling signs are fixed, another late-season rough patch could be on the horizon.
Players to Watch
Portland Thorns MID | Nina Nijstad
The midfielder has adjusted to the NWSL much faster than many folks anticipated. She has been a terrific complement to Jessie Fleming and helped shield the backline.
Nijstad has also shown flashes in the final third by dribbling, winning the ball high up the pitch, and so much more.
Orlando Pride CB | Rafaelle
Where on Earth would the backline be without this central defender? She does it all and has been outstanding in defensive measure imaginable.
If the visitors are trying to go through the middle of the park, they'll find it very difficult with the CB snuffing out attacks left and right.
Other teams have had to go around her through the wings and that may be the case again tomorrow.
Captain Obvious
Just a reminder to folks who don't understand how elite Jessie Fleming truly is. She is the only reason the Portland Thorns haven't allowed more goals...
Availability Report:
PORTLAND THORNS FC
OUT: Bella Bixby (SEI Knee), Julie Dufour (SEI Knee), Olivia Moultrie (SEI Knee), Isabelle Obaze (Thigh), MA Vignola (Hip)
QUESTIONABLE: None
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Valerin Loboa (Colombia)
ORLANDO PRIDE
OUT: Kylie Nadaner (Maternity Leave), Viviana Villacorta (Knee - D45)
QUESTIONABLE: None
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: None
Injury Watch
With M.A. Vignola out, expect Robert Vilahamn to either choose Marie Müller for pace or Reyna Reyes for strength.
Prematch media availability with Robert Vilahamn and Mackenzie Arnold
Portland Thorns head coach Robert Vilahamn and GK Mackenzie Arnold preview the road match vs Orlando Pride.
They also discuss the troubling trends of dropping points from winning positions, conceding late, box defense, and inability to generate open play goals.
Discussion Thread
Be sure to join us tomorrow for all of your game coverage.
Discuss below your predictions for the match!
