Enemy Scouting Report - Portland Thorns FC
(image via Portland Thorns FC)
The Houston Dash bounced back with a key win over the Seattle Reign in their last match and will look to build on that momentum at home tonight against the Portland Thorns. With the Houston heat potentially playing to their advantage, the Dash hope to wear down a Portland squad that has shown strong early-season form despite several setbacks.
The Thorns have remained competitive despite losing key players like Morgan Weaver, Marie Müller, and Nicole Payne to injury and Sophia Wilson to maternity leave. They recently salvaged a 1-1 draw against San Diego thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from rookie defender Jayden Perry, who has impressed with three goals in seven appearances.
Midfield leaders Sam Coffey and Hina Sugita have been central to Portland’s success, controlling the tempo and providing creative support. The Dash will need to contain their influence—and keep Perry’s two-way threat in check—if they want to secure a win at home.
Portland Thorns FC Current Record: 3W-4D-2L
Results in the last 30 days:
April 18 - Seattle Reign 1-0 Portland Thorns
April 22 - Portland Thorns 4-1 NJ/NY Gotham
April 27 - Portland Thorns 3-3 Racing Louisville
May 3 - San Diego Wave 1-1 Portland Thorns
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Bella Bixby, Mackenzie Arnold, Morgan Messner
Defenders: Reyna Reyes, Isabella Obaze, Nicole Payne, Sam Hiatt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Marie Müller, Jayden Perry, Daiane, Moira Kelley
Midfielders: Hina Sugita, Olivia Moultrie, Sophie Hirst, Sam Coffey, Jessie Fleming, Carissa Boeckmann, Mallie McKenzie, Olivia Wade-Katoa
Forwards: Caiya Hanks, Sophia Wilson, Deyna Castellanos, Payton Linnehan, Pietra Tordin, Morgan Weaver, Mimi Alidou, Reilyn Turner, Alexa Spaanstra
Can the Dash overcome Portland’s midfield strength and Jayden Perry’s impact to secure a home win?
