Portland Thorns news roundup: Mimi Alidou to Montreal Roses, Reilyn Turner OUT vs Seattle Reign, prematch availability with Robert Vilahamn, and Cascadia Derby preview with Steve Voght of Sounder at Heart (Ride of the Valkyries)

The Cascadia Derby is one of, if not the greatest rivalry in all of women's sports. The Portland Thorns travel to Lumen Field to take on day one rivals, Seattle Reign.

Here's everything you need to know before the Pacific Northwest clash:

Home Sweet Home

CANWNT attacker Mimi Alidou has completed a transfer from Portland Thorns to Montreal Roses of the Northern Super League.

From a Thorn to a Rose, the Montreal native is finally home as a professional.

“Coming back to Montreal, my home, means so much to me,” said Mimi Alidou. “I left several years ago, at a time when this league didn’t yet exist, and today I have the chance to return and play in front of my own people. I can’t wait to be back in the city, with the fans, and to share this adventure with them.”

She also left a heartfelt goodbye to the Rose City.

Reilyn Turner's status for NWSL Rivalry Match

Robert Vilahamn: "We have one injury this week. Reilyn Turner picked up an injury in the week, so she will not be in this game."

Who will step up in her place?

"When you lose a player who played and performed, that's obviously sad, we don't want that, but it also opens up the door for someone else to get the chance.

"So, who we choose to play is going to be very interesting to see what that player can give to us, but I'm aware that we also have a good competition in each position, so I'm not really stressed about playing a new player in that position. It's going to be very fun."

Prematch Media Availability with Head Coach Robert Vilahamn

Head Coach Robert Vilahamn speaks to the media ahead of the NWSL rivalry match vs Seattle Reign, the signing of Nina Nijstad, Reilyn Turner's absence, keys to the intense Cascadia Derby, and much more.