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Match Thread: Utah Royals vs Portland Thorns [7:00]

Can the Thorns beat the Royals twice in as many weeks?

Portland Thorns FC v Utah Royals FC Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

It’s time to take the Portland Thorns FC show on the road! They head to Sandy, Utah to take on a team they beat 3-0 two weeks ago: The Utah Royals. It’s always tough to play away, but the Thorns I think are in the driver’s seat for this one.

Here’s what our own Grant Little had to say.

But something has clicked for the Thorns in the Fall Series. They are the only team to have won both of their first two matches and have scored seven goals. Now, both the Utah and OL Reign are in somewhat of a transition period and the Royals’ defending against the Thorns was questionable at best. But the Thorns are creating danger and finishing chances, which they did not do in the Challenge Cup.

The Royals are coming off a road draw against the OL Reign and have looked better offensively, though I do believe that their defense still isn’t all that stellar.

Utah Royals FC Injury Report

OUT: Desiree Scott (Opt Out), Diana Matheson (Opt Out), Kelley O’Hara (Opt Out), Gunny Jonsdottir (Loan), Rachel Corsie (Loan), Nicole Barnhart (Left Achilles)

Questionable: Arielle Ship (Right Knee)

H/T RSL Soapbox

Starting Lineups

Utah Royals

Portland Thorns

Location: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy Utah
Kick-off time: 7:00 Pacific / 10:00 Eastern
TV broadcast: CBS Sports Network/CBS All-Access
Rival SB Nation site: RSL Soapbox