PORTLAND, Ore. – Some people introduce themselves with their smiles. Karen and Holden are those type of people. Karen Talluto’s is exuberant, unbridled, extending across her face with the glory of being exactly where she wants. Holden’s is more restrained, but there’s a youthful awe that’s missing from his mother’s. It’s half joy, half adolescent wonder.
They’ve been here before, making their pilgrimages to Providence Park two, three times a year for much of Holden’s childhood, but their faces cast this game new. Tonight’s is between one of their two favorite teams, Portland Thorns FC, and another NWSL opponent, Sky Blue FC.