Thorns at Orlando Pride: Previews, how to watch, match thread [4:30]

The Portland Thorns (8-6-5) travel down the East coast to face the Orlando Pride (8-6-5) in a playoff spot six-pointer. Both teams come into the match off of dropped points, but while the Thorns lost to shield-winners the North Carolina Courage, the Pride drew against bottom team Sky Blue FC. Katherine Reynolds and Meg Morris are out for the season but aside from that the Thorns have a clean injury list, and Sydney Leroux is the only player missing for the Pride.

Previews

Storylines: “Don’t panic: The Thorns offense is working. Despite the loss away at North Carolina, the team worked themselves into good positions. All that remains is for the strikers to pull the trigger a little earlier in the attack. If Orlando persists with their back three, it will be playing right into Portland’s strengths on the wings. The Thorns will have to improve their open play crossing if they want to take full advantage of the overload, though: They’ve scored very few goals from those positions this season.”

The game was also previewed on Red Smoke Radio.

How to Watch

How to watch: NWSLsoccer.com

Where: Orlando City Stadium, Orlando, FL

When: Saturday, August 11 at 4:30 pm PT

Portland Thorns: 8-6-5, third in the NWSL, 2-1 loss at North Carolina Courage

Orlando Pride: 8-6-6, fourth in the NWSL, 2-2 draw vs Sky Blue FC