Portland Thorns vs. Washington Spirit Match Thread [2:00pm]

The Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit meet for the first time this season at 2:00pm PDT today at Providence Park.  The Thorns and Spirit both come into the match without their usual star power, as international friendlies for the United States, Canada, and Germany has depleted the Thorns of 6 players and the Spirit of 4 players.  Jodie Taylor leads a potent and speedy Spirit attack, while Yael Averbuch and Lori Lindsey hold down the midfield, but a depleted backline could be the game changer for the Spirit as they take on a lagging Thorns attack that will be led by the ever-opportunistic Jessica McDonald.

Here is all the information that you need for today's match:

Previews

Match Preview: "Prepare for another strange one.  The Thorns will once again be throwing out a different line up this match, and for the first time this year without Nadine Angerer or Christine Sinclair available, and while Betos may end up being the only player making their first start of the season, it is yet again a lineup in flux.  The Thorns will have to find a way to solidify their defense against a weakened, but still dangerous attack and Nikki Marshall will need to take a vocal leadership role in organizing the backline, a task usually left to Angerer, which was blatantly apparent until Van Hollebeke subbed on at the half."

Match Information

Watch it on: Streaming on PortlandThornsFC.com or embedded below

Kick off: 2:00 pm at Providence Park

Portland Thorns: 4-4-2

Washington Spirit: 6-5-1

Match Stream