Sunday night National Women's Soccer League action in Portland sees the Portland Thorns FC host the Western New York Flash. This is a match that could determine the last few playoff teams. A win for either team sets them in good standing for the playoffs while a loss not only has consequences for either team, but it will also reverberate around the league as we head into the last two matches of the regular season.
The Thorns look to finish strong
The Portland Thorns have already secured their playoff spot and will now look to not only gain a home field semi-final, but - depending on results elsewhere - finish as the 2016 NWSL Shield winners. To do so, they would need to win their match against the Western New York Flash tomorrow and then win their last match of the season to keep those hopes alive.
The Thorns have had a very strong season. Many saw the new additions to their team and picked them to not only finish in the playoff spots, but also quite possibly become the NWSL Regular Season champions as well. They have a chance to do that and thanks to head coach Mark Parsons, seem to have the necessary players and tactics to finish the job right. Even with all of the additions, U.S. international Tobin Heath has been the pick of the Thorns players this season. When she is on song, her teammates respond and the Thorns usually win. When she is slightly off, the Thorns tend to not play well and she will be key to their hopes of winning this match if Parsons does not rest her.
Heath has been ably supported by Allie Long, Amandine Henry and a strong rookie season by young defender Emily Sonnett. All of these players have helped their team gain four wins out of their last five matches and find their team four points away from league leaders Washington Spirit. With two games left, the possibility of finishing the regular season on a high for the Thorns is still very real.
The Flash continue to be the surprise team of season
Not many people had counted on the Flash to grab a playoff spot when the regular season ended but here they are, third in the table and five points away from nearest playoff contenders, Seattle Reign FC. Head coach Paul Riley has his young team playing very well and although they have had some consistency issues lately, Riley must feel that his team has enough quality to see these last two matches through and get into the playoffs.
The story of the Flash's season has to be the performances of veteran Jess McDonald and Lynn Williams. The two forwards have been on a tear throughout the season and find themselves in a race to finish as the league top goal scorers if they find the back of the net against Portland. In that race, McDonald currently has eight goals for the season and six assists while Williams is currently level on goals with the Houston Dash's Kealia Ohai with nine goals and has managed five assists as well. If anyone can breach the Portland defense which is tied for the lowest amount of goals conceded in the league, it's these two strikers who are most definitely in form.
There is one worry for the Flash as they close out their season. They have not won a game since they defeated Seattle in Rochester back in July. That has seen them go on a run of six draws and one loss in seven games which has left their playoff spot not quite finalized as of yet. Another loss against the Thorns will make their last home match of the season a match they cannot afford to lose or they could quite possibly be leapfrogged by both the Chicago Red Stars and the Reign which would push them out of the playoffs. Riley will hope that his team will find form again quickly and start with a win in Portland.
Key players for both teams
A rejuvenated Christine Sinclair will be the focal point for the Thorns. The Canadian captain has returned from a great Olympic tournament in good form and will be looking to add to her five goals so far this season. With the services of Heath coming in, Sinclair could have a great night against the Flash's back line and given even a slight chance, her quality in front of goal will shine through. The Thorns will be hoping for another big performance from her after the one she had against the Boston Breakers most recently. The Thorns will also look to Nadia Nadim who managed a hat trick in her last outing to partner Sinclair and help break through the Flash to pick up another three points for the Thorns.
For the Flash, Samantha Mewis has to continue her good form this season. Mewis has managed four goals and two assists in her season but her role as the player who controls the tempo for teh Flash cannot be understated. When the Flash are losing in a game, Mewis is usually the one who comes up with a spark that allows her team to rally and pick themselves up to ensure they do not lose that match. Her aerial presence and her eye for a pass will be crucial for the Flash against the Thorns. Alongside Mewis, Alanna Kennedy and Abby Erceg must be at their best to keep the Thorns' attacking threat away from their goal. Kennedy in particular, has had a fantastic season for both club and country and the Australian defender will have a long night in front of her as she prepares to face Sinclair and company in Portland. If she and Erceg can organize those around her to stay compact, the Flash will have a chance.
Prediction
Portland Thorns FC 3, Western New York Flash 1.