The Thorns are finally home this week, for the first time since September 30, 2017. While their season-opening road trip hasn’t been nearly as long or brutal as the Timbers’ five-week winless slog, starting the season on the road two weeks in a row wasn’t easy, either, especially combined with key absences in multiple positions. Portland will be eager to get in front of their home crowd in what feels like the official start of the season.
Projected Starting XI
The Thorns have roughly two more games—depending on the exact timelines of when their wayward internationals get back, and what shape they’re in when they arrive—to get through with essentially the same group they’ve had to start the season.