The Portland Thorns play at home for the first time in more than a month on Saturday when the Washington Spirit visit Providence Park. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. for the match between the two remaining unbeaten teams in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The Thorns (2-0-3) had a win and three draws in their run of four consecutive road games. The Spirit (4-0-1) lead the NWSL with 13 points. Their May 14 scoreless draw with Portland is the only match this season they have not won.
Tobin Heath, who was suspended for the Thorns May 14 draw at Seattle, is expected to return to the lineup. Heath was sent off with two yellow cards in the May 7 scoreless draw at Washington.
The Thorns could also get a boost if forward Christine Sinclair is able to play significant minutes after making her season debut in the second half last weekend at Seattle.
A live webcast of the match will be available at www.thornsfc.com.
Timbers scheduled for Open Cup
The Portland Timbers will enter the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on June 15, hosting the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. at Providence Park.
The 17 United States-based MLS teams enter the national championship tournament in the round of 32. For the second time in as many years, Portland is playing in the only fourth-round match involving two MLS teams.
Last June 16 — in a match that became famous for Clint Dempsey’s tantrum and a significant injury for Obafemi Martins — the Timbers beat Seattle in the Open Cup’s fourth round before losing to Real Salt Lake in the round-of-16.
T2 loses
Scoring twice early in the first half on Friday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 beat Portland Timbers FC 2 by a 3-1 score at Providence Park. Neco Brett scored in the 19th minute for Portland off an assist from Kharlton Belmar. Vancouver improved its United Soccer League-best record to 6-0-2. Portland fell to 3-6-1. Timbers 2 host Seattle Sounders 2 at 7 p.m. Thursday at Providence Park.
