Portland Thorns FC and the Western New York Flash are ending their seasons on Friday at the Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester, NY. Both clubs have no postseason future. At the current moment the Flash are in eighth place and the Thorns in sixth in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). To make the playoffs both clubs had to finish in the top four. With this being the finale there is no possible way for them to catch up with the Washington Spirit.
Now the only thing that matters for the two clubs is pride. Especially for the Flash, they have faced the Thorns two times already. In both matches they have lost and have yet to score against Portland. The Flash already hosted the Thorns on June 29th; they lost that match 2-0.
Players to keep an eye on:
The Thorns will needs their offensive catalyst Allie Long to continue her dominance. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder currently leads her club in both goals (9) and assists (4). Not to mention she can be clutch. She has scored two-game winning goals thus far.
Portland will need her to come through since the Canadian international Christine Sinclair will not be action for the match. Also American forward Alex Morgan has been listed as “probable” on the NWSL website for the clash against the Flash. Her right knee has not fully healed.
There is no post-season so the Thorns will be satisfied to sweep New York 3-0 in the regular season. Also getting two victories at Sahlen’s Stadium will be a nice way to end the disappoint campaign.
For the Flash, they will need Samantha Mewis and Elizabeth Eddy to guide New York to a home victory. The both of them have combined for six goals and five assists. However, a victory for New York will be tough to achieve. Since the Flash will be without American international Sydney Leroux (right ankle). Plus New York will not have their current leading scorer (4) Lynn Williams ready for the finale. She had a surgery on her right knee.
Prediction: Thorns 3-1 Flash
New York’s frustrating season will continue till the very last whistle. Long will get her 10th and 11th goals of the campaign in their victory. It might potentially help her finish as the second highest scorer of the league.