Portland Thorns vs Orlando Pride: Previews, How to Watch, Match Thread [12:00]

After a disappointing loss — and another goal conceded off a set piece — the Thorns (5-2-4) will hope to turn their luck around. Facing off against the Orlando Pride (2-8-2) provides a perfect opportunity to do so; Portland is heavily favored in the 7-1-1 all-time record between the two sides.

The Thorns have been shut out in their last two home games, a streak they will be eager to shatter today. Midge Purce still leads Portland in goals with five, and she’ll look to build on that total against a leaky Orlando defense. (The Pride have allowed 27 goals this season, worst in the league by a significant margin.) Caitlin Foord and Christine Sinclair have both scored three times for the Thorns this year, and Hayley Raso is always a threat in Portland’s offense, even we see her coming off the bench.

However, the Pride seem to be finding their feet after a tough start to the season; they’re coming off a 4-3 victory over the Washington Spirit in which Marta netted a brace and Chioma Ubogagu found her third goal of the year. Can Orlando carry their attacking momentum into Providence Park? And if they do: will the Pride’s defense be up to the task of containing Portland?

Previews

This week’s Red Smoke Radio previewed the game.

How to Watch

How to watch: ESPNews; NWSLSoccer.com for international viewers

Where: Providence Park, Portland, Oregon

When: Sunday, July 14, 12pm PT

Portland Thorns: 5-2-4, 3rd place in the NWSL, lost 1-0 vs Reign FC

Orlando Pride: 2-8-2, 8th place in the NWSL, won 4-3 vs Washington Spirit