The Portland Thorns and FC Kansas City meet Wednesday in a match that could be significant in determining the playoff fate of both teams. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. from Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Mo.
A live webcast is available at portlandthornsfc.com.
Portland and Kansas City enter the match tied for fourth place in the National Women’s Soccer League, both with records of 6-6-4.
The top four teams qualify for the playoffs. Both the Thorns and the Blues have three games remaining after Wednesday’s match.
The Thorns enter on a three-game win string that has revived their playoff hopes. On Sunday, Portland handed Chicago only its second loss of the season, rallying to win 2-1 on two goals from Allie Long.
Portland continues to be without forward Alex Morgan and fullback Steph Catley due to injuries. Kansas City is without injured Shea Groom, and Lauren Holiday is doubtful.
Thorns coach Paul Riley said the quick turnaround and travel to Kansas City presents a challenge, but that it could work in his team’s favor.
“Sometimes it’s better to get the games one after the other,” Riley said. “You’re winnning games, you feel like you can just go on the field and make a couple of changes and we’ll be fine.”
This is the second and final regular-season match between the clubs that have claimed the first two NWSL championships. On June 19, a stoppage-time goal from goalkeeper Michelle Betos earned the Thorns a 1-1 draw with FCKC at Providence Park.
