Utah Royals FC vs. Portland Thorns FC
May 25, 2018; Providence Park
8:30 p.m. MT; KMYU, KSL TV app, ESPN700 AM
UTA (2-1-5, 11 points); PTFC (3-3-3, 12 points)
Player to Watch:
The last time Thorns forward Christine Sinclair played at Rio Tinto Stadium, she won the ball in transition in Utah’s defensive third – ultimately assisting the shot that would equalize for the 1-1 draw. The Canadian women’s national team star has played a crucial role in scoring for Portland this season, currently leading the league with five goals, and second in the league in assists (three). The target striker not only is the key that unlocks Portland’s attack, but a steady scoring threat for the Canadian side too, registering 267 appearances and 172 goals.
Matchup to Watch:
DF Brooke Elby vs. MF Tobin Heath. The USWNT veteran may have found the back of the net the last time these two teams played, but the URFC defense didn't make it easy. Without a perfectly placed ball from Sinclair, Heath was limited in her ability to create scoring opportunities. Though Elby did not play when Portland was in town, she has performed well in her defensive role the last few games, eliminating a majority of the threat by closing down the space before forwards can receive the ball, and keeping her shape balanced. Elby performed well last week against the Houston Dash, pushing attacking players out and away from goal. For spectators and fans, you can be sure that these two will go to battle in the upcoming match.
All-Time Record:
These two teams have only played against each other once before, ending in a 1-1 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium early in the season. The match was relatively even in stats, with the Thorns holding the majority of possession at 51% and getting three shots on target to Utah’s one. FW Amy Rodriguez scored the first goal of the game, and first home goal in club history for the maiden team after taking GK Britt Eckerstrom on the dribble and passing it over the goal line. A large portion of the play occurred in the midfield, with players like URFC MF Desiree Scott getting a lot of touches on the ball. Since the league’s inaugural season in 2013, Harvey has beaten Portland six times, making for an all-time record of 6-3-8.
Last 5 Overall:
Portland Thorns FC have only won one of their last five games, beating the Washington Spirit 1-0 last Saturday, May 19. That win comes after losing to the Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign at home – as well as two draws against Houston and Utah. Though the team’s performance has teetered this season, they remain in third place in the NWSL standings, holding 12 points, with 12 goals scored, and 12 goals against.
