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OL Reign take on the Portland Thorns on Wednesday night in their second match of the NWSL Fall Series. The game will stream globally on Twitch at 7 PM PT.
These two sides had similar struggles during the Challenge Cup: despite creating chances, they had trouble finding the back of the net. OL Reign managed just one goal, while Portland scored two. It was a scoreless draw when the Cascadia rivals met this summer, with each side managing just four shots on goal.
The Reign and Thorns have already looked more goal dangerous in their opening Fall Series matchups. Can the Reign continue to show offensive punch against a rival that likes to out-duel opponents? We’ll have to tune in tonight to find out.
Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension
OL Reign:
OUT: Kelcie Hedge (SEI – right knee), Julia Ashley (back), Lauren Barnes (loan), Celia Jiménez Delgado (loan), Jess Fishlock (loan), Machaela George (loan), Darian Jenkins (loan), Yuka Momiki (loan), Quinn (loan), Megan Rapinoe (opt-out)
QUESTIONABLE: Sam Hiatt (face)
Portland Thorns:
OUT: Adrianna Franch (right knee), Bella Bixby (right knee), Celeste Boureille (loan)
What to Watch
- Win the duels and clear those crosses
- Limit Lindsey Horan’s chances
- Create opportunities early
Lineups
Our Starting XI is set. #BeBold pic.twitter.com/4nK1AsA8Yc
— OL Reign (@OLReign) October 1, 2020
Our Starting XI vs. @OLReign.#PORvRGN | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/4dfj5OCOBL
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) October 1, 2020
Highlights
5’ - A GREAT look for Bethany Balcer on some superb Shirley Cruz service, but Eckerstrom makes a great save.
5' @bethanybalcer with an amazing header on target from this sublime @ShirleyCruzCR long ball.
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) October 1, 2020
And an amazing save from Thorns goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom. #PORvRGN pic.twitter.com/OX7BUnGJKh
40’ - After an even start, Portland strikes first on a restart. Christine Sinclair blasts this into the net.
@sincy12 has @ThornsFC in the lead.
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 1, 2020
1-0 | #PORvRGN
Tune in now on @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/4Qvrdz1gHY
45+3’ - Not the best time to give up a PK! Just seconds before the end of the half. Sinclair makes no mistake with her penalty. 2-0 Thorns.
@sincy12 converts from the PK spot.
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 1, 2020
2-0 | #PORvRGN
Tune in now on @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/UTr1jvIbZB
57’ - What a strike from Rocky Rodriguez. 3-0 Thorns.
Her first Thorns goal, and it's a BEAUTY. Take a bow, @raque_rocky.#PORvRGN | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/3uVDDnk5Vt
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) October 1, 2020
70’ - Bethany Balcer gets one goal back for the Reign. Great service from Shirley Cruz!
70' GOAL OL REIGN! @bethanybalcer takes flight and gets one back, courtesy of a @ShirleyCruzCR cross! #PORvRGN pic.twitter.com/PZGz2VlZyj
— Ride of the Valkyries (@rovalks) October 1, 2020
74’ - WELP. Defense falls asleep. Sinclair hattrick. 4-1 Thorns.
A hat trick for @sincy12
— NWSL (@NWSL) October 1, 2020
4-1 | #PORvRGN
Tune in now on @Twitch. #NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/8wKu5zW2jG
How to Watch
Time/Date: Wednesday, September 30 | 7 PM PT
Where: Providence Park | Portland, OR
Livestream (US/Canada): Twitch
Livestream (International): Twitch
Join the Discussion
This is your OL Reign v. Portland Thorns gamethread. Watch with us, and follow @rovalks on Twitter for real-time updates and highlights.