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MATCH PREVIEW: Portland Thorns FC vs Seattle Reign FC

Thorns looking to rebound against Cascadia rival after back-to-back losses

Defender Emily Menges has worn the captains armband in recent matches and will lead a struggling defense against Portland Thorns FC's Cascadia rivals.
Defender Emily Menges has worn the captains armband in recent matches and will lead a struggling defense against Portland Thorns FC's Cascadia rivals.
Jeremiah Braeback

Following their second loss of the season, Portland Thorns FC welcomes Seattle Reign FC to the Rose City Saturday night for a final league match before the NWSL takes a hiatus for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. The match will mark the third of four meetings between the Cascadia rivals this season. The two previous meetings both ended in draws.


Portland has struggled since the departure of their international players for the Rio Olympics, falling to two straight losses in their last two matches, snapping a 12-game unbeaten run to open the season. Most recently, Portland lost to the Houston Dash for the first time on the road, falling 3-0.


Seattle, after struggling to open the season, are unbeaten in their last four and recorded their highest scoring game of the season in a 5-2 win over the Orlando Pride last time out. Although Portland still sits at the top of the NWSL table, the Reign are just two wins back in sixth place.


While Thorns FC was held scoreless in their last match, the defense is also reeling. The Thorns have given up the opening goal in each of their last four games running. Portland will aim to capitalize on home field advantage where they have enjoyed success against the Reign in their four year spell at Providence Park, with a record of 3-2-1. Thorns FC have earned at least a point in eight of their last nine home matches and have outscored opponents 11-5 in the Rose City this season.


Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific) with a live-stream available on YouTube and thornsfc.com.