Portland Thorns vs Reign FC: Previews, How to Watch, Match Thread [11:00]

We’ve had early Sunday morning brunch with the Timbers a few times this year, so who’s ready for brunch with the Thorns?

This morning’s game against Reign FC may be early, but it may have some of the biggest playoff implications of the day. The Reign are currently sitting in fourth and fighting for a final playoff spot with Utah Royals FC, while the Thorns need as many points as they can get if they want to play one of their playoff games in Portland.

The last time these two sides faced off came in Tacoma back in August, and the Reign won 1-0 behind a 55’ goal from Rosie White. The same thing happened a month before when the Thorns lost to the Reign 1-0 at Providence Park. Tacoma is one of the best defensive teams in the league under head coach Vlatko Andonovski, and if they are given the lead it will be hard to get any more solid chances.

The Reign will be without dangerous players such as Taylor Smith, Jasmyne Spencer, and Jessica Fishlock on Sunday morning; but Megan Rapinoe — FIFA’s Best women’s player of the year — is slotted to take the field against the Thorns for the first time this season. Hubly, Salem, Boureille, and Seiler make up the injury report for Portland.

With just two games remaining until the playoffs and a spot already clinched, the task now becomes getting that home playoff game. The home team wins the semifinal game 75 percent of the time (the last home defeat came back in 2016 when the Thorns fell to the Western New York Flash), and Chicago has never won at Providence Park in its history.

The Thorns have a game in hand over the Red Stars for now, but if they want to take full advantage, they’ll need to get points off of the Reign for the first time this season — and there is no better time to do that than this morning on ESPN2.

How to Watch

How to watch: ESPN2; Check out your country’s ESPN listing on NWSLSoccer.com for international viewers

Where: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, WA

When: Sunday, September 29, 11:00 a.m (Pacific)

Portland Thorns: 11-6-5, 3rd in NWSL, won 1-0 vs Houston Dash

Reign FC: 9-7-6, 4th place in NWSL, won 2-1 vs Utah Royals