Portland Thorns at Orlando Pride: How to watch, what to watch for

Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 8, 2022

By Paul Danzer

: Pictured in a 2021 match, Portland Thorns midfielder Crystal Dunn is expected to be in uniform and on the bench Friday when Portland visits Orlando. It will be the first time Dunn has been available since giving birth in May to her son.

After an international break and coming off of consecutive losses for the first time this season, the Thorns visit Orlando on Friday and try to recapture their winning form — and to stay near the top of the ultra-tight National Women’s Soccer League standings.

HOW TO WATCH

When: 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9

Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida

Live stream: Paramount+

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Eight Portland players were away from the team for international duty. They return to a team hungry for a win after two consecutive losses dropped the Thorns (7-3-7, 28 points) to fourth place in the NWSL standings. Including Friday, the Thorns have five games remaining. Six points separate first-place San Diego and seventh-place Angel City. The top six teams make the playoffs. … For those Thorns players not on international duty, the 12-day break between games was welcome after a stretch of four matches over 11 days, during which Portland scored only two goals. Scoring has been a challenge in recent games as opponents have focused on denying Sophia Smith time and space. Perhaps Smith’s two goals for the United States against Nigeria on Sept. 3 will spark her confidence. … Crystal Dunn, who gave birth to her son Marcel in May, will be on the bench and could see her first action of the season for the Thorns. … The Thorns beat Orlando 6-0 at home on June 19, but the Pride (5-6-6, 21 points) have lost only once in their last five games. Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson said Orlando is a “completely different team” and very organized in its approach.