The road trip continues for Angel City FC. After their first loss on the road to OL Reign, the squad head South to face another top opponent, Portland Thorns. Having come away with an impressive 3-3 draw the last time these two played in Portland just a month ago, Los Angeles know they have what it takes to get the result. The real question coming into this one will be how the team navigate not just another loss, but the possibility of a massive return as well.
Gearing up for Challenge Cup 🏆#AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/FVgC39bXwg
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) May 30, 2023
Last time out, Angel City did well enough to take the early lead against the Reign, but the Seattle side proved superior and finished with 25 shots, four goals, and the win. Adding injury to insult, ACFC forward Jun Endo had to leave the match early with a knee injury that will keep her out of action tonight in Portland. There is some good news on the horizon, as fellow forward Sydney Leroux looks to be set to make her return, after an ankle injury kept her sidelined nearly a year.
Despite the tough times for ACFC, they have done fairly well against the defending champions in recent outings. The last two times these sides have met have ended in shared points, the latest being the aforementioned 3-3 draw. It’s been a mixed bag of late for the Thorns, who have only won once in their last five matches, with one loss and the rest draws. While a draw on the road would be welcome, the time has come for Angel City to start collecting three points in bunches.
Injuries
Angel City FC: OUT – Simone Charley (SEI – achilles), Jun Endo (knee), Merritt Mathias (knee), Christen Press
(SEI – knee), M.A. Vignola (Covid protocol). QUEST. – Julie Ertz (thigh), Sydney Leroux (ankle)
Portland Thorns: OUT – Janine Beckie (SEI– knee), Rocky Rodríguez (knee), Becky Sauerbrunn (foot)
How to Watch
Kickoff for this evenings match is set for 7:30pm PT , from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon. The match will be streamed live with the broadcast for US residents over at Paramount+ , while International residents can catch the action on the official site, NWSLSoccer.com. The match will also be broadcast over the Radio (ENG) via iHeart.