2019 NWSL Regular Season – Week 8

Chicago Red Stars vs Portland Thorns FC

Providence Park, Portland, Oregon

June 2– 5:00 PM CT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Red Stars will be on the road to face the Portland Thorns FC on Sunday, June 2. The two teams faced off earlier this season in a crazy battle that resulted in a 4-4 draw.

Where to Watch

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Stream: NBC Sports App, Yahoo Sports

Additionally, authenticated regional subscribers of NBC Sports Chicago can view the live stream of the game at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive.

Opponent Form

Portland is now just hosting their home opener due to construction to the stadium that has added an additional 4,000 seats to Providence Park. Portland has scored in 31 straight home games, the longest streak in NWSL play since the start of the 2016 season. In their last game, Midge Purce’s goal in the 69th minute was the difference maker for the Thorns to earn a 1-0 win against Sky Blue FC. They have won two of their last three games.

Storylines

Believe: Despite suffering their second loss of the NWSL season, Chicago is still in the top of the table with 11 points. With an overall record of 3-2-2, the Red Stars will look to regroup in Portland on the road. Chicago has managed a 3-3-3 record on the road in the last nine regular-season road games. During that run, they have scored multiple goals four times while being shutout just twice.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight: Hosting for the first time in 2019, Portland will look to draw in an additional 4,000 in attendance which could break the NWSL single-game attendance record. The current record was set by Orlando Pride with an attendance of 23,403.

Yuki and the Jets: Yuki Nagasato has become a vital piece to the Chicago roster. Since the start of 2018, the Red Stars average nearly a goal more per game and see their points per game average double when she is in the starting lineup. In 2019, she’s completed 106 passes in the opponent’s half, one of just seven players in the NWSL to do so. On top of that, she is fourth in the league in goals (3) and first in assists (3).

Rocket Goals: Chicago and Portland currently lead the league in goals scored. With 13 goals apiece, the two clubs will look to continue this trend on Sunday. The last battle between the two teams in 2019 led to a wild 4-4 draw, so don’t blink or you might miss a rocket of a goal.