PORTLAND, Ore. – When Portland Thorns FC left the field two weeks ago after their 2-1 win over the North Carolina Courage, they did so with their confidence restored, having earned their first win in over a year against a championship rival. The next time the teams met, or should they face off in a third-straight NWSL title game, the Thorns would enter the contest knowing victory was possible.
Now, put yourself in the shoes of the Chicago Red Stars, Sunday’s visitors to Providence Park. With their 3-0 loss to the league’s leader, the Red Stars not only left Goose Hollow seven points behind the Thorns but also with their winless streak against Portland intact.