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Last Meeting: 2-0 W @ WNY
Overall Record against WNY: 3-1-3
In the club’s final match of the 2015 NWSL season, the Portland Thorns still have something to play for Friday night, despite being eliminated from the playoffs last week. Portland has a chance to win a third-straight match against the Western New York Flash, sweeping the series against the Rochester-based club this season. Portland has won the two previous meetings by a combined scoreline of 3-0, not conceding a goal in 180 minutes of play.
The Thorns come into the match after a thrilling 3-3 draw against the Washington Spirit, coming back from two goals down at halftime. Portland conceded two goals in the first half, before Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Jodie Taylor tallied second half goals. Crystal Dunn came back just a minute after Taylor’s go-ahead goal to equalize for the Spirit and steal a point and the sensational comeback.
Western New York host the Thorns following a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars last Saturday. The Flash have seen a drop in standings in the two seasons following their trip to the 2013 NWSL Championship match in the league’s inaugural season. The team they met there? The Portland Thorns, who emerged 2-0 winners for the club’s lone championship.
In their last meeting, Christine Sinclair and Allie Long tallied to goals in Rochester for a 2-0 win on July 29. It was Long’s second-straight game with a goal against the Flash following her winner in a 1-0 home win back on April 18.
After reaching the NWSL playoffs in both of the first two seasons, Portland misses the postseason for the first time in team history. Portland paid tribute to Nadine Angerer and Rachel Van Hollebeke ahead of the game against the Spirit, as both players plan to retire at the end of the season. But three-straight wins over the Flash would certainly send the team into the off-season in high spirits.