Portland Thorns FC is back in action with a road match against the Orlando Pride. It is the third time that these two teams have met this season, with the season series split up to this point. The last time these two teams played, it was the Thorns who came out on top with a 2-1 victory on July 18.

Orlando’s pride (Get it? Pride? Like, you know ... I’ll show myself out) shouldn’t have been stung too badly by the loss. The table-leading thorns are just on a roll right now, earning 16 of a possible 18 points in their last six matches. They went unbeaten in the month of July and have started August off with two victories. There just isn’t another NWSL team right now playing on Portland’s level.

Even though Portland have been dominant, this is the NWSL, a league where just about anything could happen. It’s never safe to assume that one team can safely win, especially when the opponent is a team trying to break out of a tie for third like Orlando. I doubt it will be an easy match for the Thorns, but then again, I didn’t expect them to just dominate with their best players gone on international duty. I think we’re in for a fun down in Florida.

Game Info

Location: Exploria Stadium | Orlando, FL

Time: 4:00 p.m. PT

Watch: Paramount+, Twitch for international

Pregame Reading

Here’s Grant Little once again extolling the impressive Thorns defense.

Starting Lineups

Portland Thorns FC:

Orlando Pride: