Utah Royals FC vs. Portland Thorns FC
April 28, 2018; Rio Tinto Stadium
7:00 p.m. MT; KMYU, KSL.com, KSL app
UTA (0-1-3), 3 points); POR (2-1-1, 7 points)
Player to Watch – USWNT midfielder Tobin Heath is making her return to the NWSL after a winter ankle surgery kept her out of the game for nearly six months. Making her 2018 debut for the Thorns last Friday, Heath was a dominating presence on the pitch against the Washington Spirit. Regarded by U.S. Soccer as one of the most technically sound players to come out of the United States, URFC will have to keep their shape against this two-time Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA Women’s World Cup winner.
Matchup to Watch – FW Amy Rodriguez vs. GK Adrianna Franch. Within one minute of subbing into the match against North Carolina, USWNT goal-scorer Amy Rodgriguez was already firing on goal. You can certainly ensure that A-Rod will be looking to find the back of the net against the 2017 NWSL Goalkeeper of the year, Adrianna Franch. Franch, who holds the NWSL record for consecutive shutouts (11), excels in one-vs-one matchups on the pitch – making this the perfect duel for spectators.
All-Time Record – History will be made this weekend as the two teams meet for the first time – but beating the Thorns isn’t something new for URFC head coach, Laura Harvey. Since the league’s inaugural season in 2013, Harvey has beaten the Thorns six times, making for a record of 6-3-7 against the team from Stumptown.
Last 5 Overall – After losing the first match of the season against the Courage, Portland is unbeaten in the last three matches. That includes a 3-2 win in March against the Chicago Red Stars, the only other NWSL team to play in the RioT. The Thorns are currently ranked third in the NWSL table, with seven total points.