Matchday Preview: Seattle Reign FC Faces Off Against Portland Thorns FC in Final Summer Cup Group Stage

In an exciting culmination of the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup group stage, Seattle Reign FC is set to clash with their Cascadia rivals, Portland Thorns FC, today at 7:00 p.m. PT. This highly anticipated match will take place at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, where both teams are vying for the top position in Group A.

Match Details:

• Date and Time: July 31, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. PT
• Location: Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
• Broadcast: Fans can catch the action live on Paramount+ or CBS Sports Golazo Network in English, and on NWSL+ for Spanish coverage.

Currently, Seattle Reign FC and Portland Thorns FC are both tied with three points at the top of Group A, making this match crucial for both teams as they aim to secure first place in the group.

Current Standings:

• Seattle Reign FC: 1 win, 1 draw, 0 losses (3 points)
• Portland Thorns FC: 1 win, 1 draw, 0 losses (3 points)

Recap of the Previous Encounter

This match will mark the first meeting of the two teams in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. Their last regular-season encounter took place on June 16, 2024, at Lumen Field, where the match ended in a goalless 0-0 draw. Despite the lack of goals, Seattle showcased a strong defensive performance, limiting Portland to zero shots on target until the 42nd minute.

Scouting the Thorns

Portland Thorns FC has also made a mark in the Summer Cup, with a solid win and a draw. They opened the tournament with an impressive 5-0 victory over Club Tijuana, where goals were netted by key players including Christine Sinclair, Olivia Wade-Katoa, Izzy D’Aquila, Ana Dias, and Marissa Sheva. However, their second match saw them fall 3-1 to the Utah Royals, with Olivia Moultrie scoring the Thorns’ only goal in that matchup.

Defender Lily Woodham shared her insights on the rivalry, stating, “I’ve been at the Portland games and yeah, the experience is crazy. I think it’s really exciting. It’s really fun to be involved in. I think as a rivalry out here, yeah, it’s easier to kind of get ready and get excited for that game and we’re all really looking forward to it.” She further noted the tactical shifts the Thorns have made during the Summer Cup, mentioning their use of a back three formation, which they employed effectively against Tijuana, but struggled with against Utah.

Key Matchup Insights

As both teams have shown their competitive spirit in the tournament, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Reign will aim to leverage their defensive strengths while finding ways to penetrate the Thorns’ backline, which has shown signs of vulnerability. With both teams having a mix of experience and youthful energy, fans can expect a high-paced, intense match.

With the stakes high and both teams eager to secure their place at the top of the group, the final group stage match of the Summer Cup is set to be a memorable showdown. Fans are encouraged to tune in and support their teams as they battle for supremacy in this fierce rivalry.