Seattle Reign FC is gearing up for a big match against their rivals, the Portland Thorns FC, at Lumen Field after returning home from playing on the road. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. PT, and fans can catch the action either by getting tickets to the match or tuning in on CBS or Paramount+.
In their last meeting at Providence Park, the Reign fell 4-0 to the Thorns, with Head Coach Laura Harvey highlighting the need to stay competitive for the entire game. As they prepare for the upcoming match, the team is focusing on strategies to improve their goal-scoring and defending.
Portland Thorns FC, currently in fifth place in the NWSL standings, recently secured a 1-0 win against the North Carolina Courage with a 79th-minute penalty kick by Sophia Smith. With seven players out for the match, including Smith due to suspension, the Thorns will face some challenges against the Reign.
The rivalry between Seattle and Portland is a significant one in women’s football, with both teams having a long history of competition. The upcoming match will mark the 40th all-time meeting between the two teams, with the head-to-head series evenly split at 15 wins each and nine draws. However, the Reign have had the upper hand in recent years, with 11 wins over the Thorns since 2015.
Players like Reign FC forward Emeri Adames and Coach Harvey emphasize the intensity and significance of the rivalry, highlighting the competitive nature and excitement that each match brings. Despite some players being questionable for the upcoming game, including Claudia Dickey with a knee injury, the team is determined to put on a strong performance for their home crowd at Lumen Field.