The Portland Thorns have a matinee match with the Kansas City Current on Saturday, a rematch of the 2022 NWSL championship game. The game could have long-term implications near the top of the NWSL standings, and for both squads it’s an opportunity to prove themselves early in the season.
The Oregonian/OregonLive has Three Points to watch for Portland vs. Kansas City:
1. BOUNCING BACK VS. KEEPING IT ROLLING
The Current are frustrated after a 1-0 loss to the North Carolina Courage in their opener. This team has championship ambitions and upgraded its roster to reflect that, and zero points on the road adds additional pressure to Saturday’s home match.
Portland, meanwhile, is coming off a dominant 4-0 win over the Orlando Pride. Everything clicked for the Thorns on both ends in the opening match of the season, but it faces a much tougher matchup in KC. Keeping the same aggressive approach on the attack will be crucial, as will defending with vigor.
2. DEBINHA WATCH
Kansas City has a number of key players who have recently returned to training but whose status and minutes limitations for Saturday are up in the air. Star signing Debinha is among them, potentially making her season debut.
Vanessa DiBernardo and Mallory Weber are also potential returners on Saturday. Portland will be more focused on itself, but it will keep a keen eye on the injury report to see if it has to adjust its game plan for a player of Debinha’s caliber. The Thorns have no injuries to worry about from the squad that saw the field last week.
3. REVENGE
The Current, according to reporting from Daniel Sperry of the Kansas City Star, watched film this week with redemption on the mind. They still feel the pain of last season’s championship loss, adding to their motivation to get three points in front of a national audience on Saturday.
Portland was dominant in that championship match, a class above the Current in many phases of the game. Proving that the Thorns are not inevitable repeat champions is inherent in KC’s motivation, and proving they have what it takes to unseat them is even more so.
Portland vs. Kansas City kicks off at 9:40 a.m. PT on Saturday with a live broadcast on CBS. A live stream is also available on Paramount+.
— Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke
