Portland Thorns FC are back on the road this weekend, stopping in Bridgeview, Ill., for a matchup with the Chicago Red Stars. Kickoff from Seatgeek Stadium is scheduled for 4:30pm PT and can be streamed on ION.
Portland (9th, 1-3-1, 4pts) and Chicago (3rd, 3-1-1, 10pts) matchup for the first time this year. In 2023, Portland dominated the season series, winning both matchups and outscoring the Chicago 7-2. The scenario in 2024 looks a little different as the Red Stars currently sit in the top-3 and Portland has just started the climb out of the bottom of the table.
Saturday's hosts is one of the most in-form teams in the NWSL through the season's first five games. Chicago currently sit in the top-three, following a 3-1-1 start to 2024. With exemplary play from midfielder Mallory Swanson (1g, 2a), as well as forwards Allyson Schlegel (2g) and Jenna Bike (2a), the Red Stars are off to one of their best starts ever, collecting 10 points from a possible 15.
Head coach Lorne Donaldson is undefeated when placing Chicago in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season (2-0-1) and following a 2-1 win on the road in Seattle, it would be no surprise if he kept it the same – if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Historically the Thorns have been dominant against Chicago. Through 22 all-time meetings, Portland has recorded 13 wins to Chicago's three and the two teams playing to six draws.
The firepower against the Red Stars over the years has been consistent for Portland. In the 22 head-to-head matches played thus far, the Thorns have scored 47 goals against Chicago – good for an average of just over two goals per match.
Also just as impressive is Portland's record on the road against Chicago. Since 2015, the two have clashed in Illinois 10 times, with Portland emerging victorious four times, with two defeats and four draws.
Portland Thorns FC #16 Janine Beckie is having quite the comeback season. After missing all of 2023 due to injury, she's currently joint-top scorer for the club with three goals through five regular season matches.
Portland Thorns FC are back on the road this weekend, stopping in Bridgeview, Ill., for a matchup with the Chicago Red Stars. Kickoff from Seatgeek Stadium is scheduled for 4:30pm PT and can be streamed on ION.
Portland (9th, 1-3-1, 4pts) and Chicago (3rd, 3-1-1, 10pts) matchup for the first time this year. In 2023, Portland dominated the season series, winning both matchups and outscoring the Chicago 7-2. The scenario in 2024 looks a little different as the Red Stars currently sit in the top-3 and Portland has just started the climb out of the bottom of the table.
Saturday's hosts is one of the most in-form teams in the NWSL through the season's first five games. Chicago currently sit in the top-three, following a 3-1-1 start to 2024. With exemplary play from midfielder Mallory Swanson (1g, 2a), as well as forwards Allyson Schlegel (2g) and Jenna Bike (2a), the Red Stars are off to one of their best starts ever, collecting 10 points from a possible 15.
Head coach Lorne Donaldson is undefeated when placing Chicago in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season (2-0-1) and following a 2-1 win on the road in Seattle, it would be no surprise if he kept it the same – if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Historically the Thorns have been dominant against Chicago. Through 22 all-time meetings, Portland has recorded 13 wins to Chicago's three and the two teams playing to six draws.
The firepower against the Red Stars over the years has been consistent for Portland. In the 22 head-to-head matches played thus far, the Thorns have scored 47 goals against Chicago – good for an average of just over two goals per match.
Also just as impressive is Portland's record on the road against Chicago. Since 2015, the two have clashed in Illinois 10 times, with Portland emerging victorious four times, with two defeats and four draws.
Portland Thorns FC #16 Janine Beckie is having quite the comeback season. After missing all of 2023 due to injury, she's currently joint-top scorer for the club with three goals through five regular season matches.
