Portland Thorns FC is back in action this weekend with their road match against Racing Louisville FC. The hope is that this match goes much better than the last one. The Thorns suffered their most difficult defeat yet, falling to the North Carolina Courage 2-0 on the road. That’s not ideal, especially when you’re trying to be the best in the NWSL.

Louisville presents an opportunity for the Thorns to bounce back. Portland will be shorthanded — several key players are gone on international duty — but they’re still a highly capable squad with depth across the board. The real question is who will step up. Will it be one of the young guns in Morgan Weaver? Maybe Yazmeen Ryan, who impressed in her Thorns debut, will continue to shine. Maybe Meghan Klingenberg will remain an all-around force in this one.

That’s the fun thing about this Thorns squad: When someone’s out, another person is always ready to step up. Let’s go, Rose City.

Pregame Reading

Grant Little broke down Yazmeen Ryan’s promising debut.

Game Info

Location: Lynn Family Stadium | Louisville, KY

Time: 4:30 p.m. PST

Watch: Paramount+

Starting Lineups

Portland Thorns FC:

Racing Louisville FC: