Key Transactions
The Portland Thorns have signed the youngest player in NWSL history, 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie since last facing the Pride on May 26. Moultrie made her NWSL debut on July 3rd when she subbed on in the 83 minute in the Thorns’ match against Racing Louisville. The Thorns also signed two National Team Replacement players, forward Raisa Strom-Okimoto, who had a short stint with Kansas City to start the NWSL season and midfielder Taylor Porter, formerly with UDG Tenerife Egatesa in the Spanish first division. Porter was also briefly with the Pride in 2019 as a National Team Replacement player.
Recent Form
Portland is currently tied in the league standings with the Pride at 16 points. The Thorns come into Sunday’s match against the Pride after a scoreless draw at Providence Park against Gotham FC this past Sunday. This was only the second time all season that the Thorns failed to find the back of the net.
Who’s Hot
Simone Charley currently leads Portland in goals with three on the season, with two goals in the last three matches for the Thorns. Rocky Rodriguez has tallied two goals this season and also has an assist. Goalkeeper Bella Bixby has been between the poles for the Thorns in the team’s last two outings, with two clean sheets in as many games and six saves tallied.
Head-to-Head
The Thorns visited Exploria Stadium earlier this season where the Pride handed Portland its second loss of the season. Alex Morgan found herself on the scoreboard first in the 22 minute, with Portland’s Simone Charley scoring an equalizer right before the half. Moments into the second half, Sydney Leroux charged the Thorns backline, picked the pocket of Kelli Hubly and slotted the ball past the keeper, for the eventual game-winner for the Pride.
Rasmussen Fun Fact
The Pride's newest signing, English international Jodie Taylor previously played for the Portland Thorns in 2015. That team featured not only Taylor but also Orlando’s Alex Morgan. Both forwards scored for the Thorns that season.
