Portland Thorns FC vs. Kansas City – 10:30pm EST, Paramount+ Providence Park | Portland, Oregon Match Facts: Fans once again return to the legendary Providence Park, as the Portland Thorns are coming off a Fall Series title and are hungry for more success in 2021. Visiting them are Kansas City, who return to the league […]

Portland Thorns FC vs. Kansas City – 10:30pm EST, Paramount+ ****

Providence Park | Portland, Oregon

Match Facts: Fans once again return to the legendary Providence Park, as the Portland Thorns are coming off a Fall Series title and are hungry for more success in 2021. Visiting them are Kansas City, who return to the league after four years away with an impressive blend of veterans and young signings.

Players to Watch: Much of Portland’s success in the Fall Series was thanks to Rocky Rodriguez, who netted five key passes and a 77.2% successful passing rate in the competition. With Lindsey Horan and Christine Sinclair away on international duty, she’ll be given the keys to the Thorns midfield again in the early days of the Challenge Cup.

For Huw Williams’ side, Amy Rodriguez is the key to attacking success. The veteran forward was fifth in the NWSL in shots and shots on goal in the Fall Series but recorded the fewest goals tally of any player in the top five with one. New signing Mariana Larroquette is on international duty, so if Kansas City wants to come back in style, A-Rod will have to be clinical in front of goal.

Keys to the Game: Mark Parsons’ side will count on the young attacking duo of Sophia Smith and Simone Charley this spring, as Sinclair and her six Fall Series goals will be away on international duty with Canada.

Much of the band from Utah is back together for visiting Kansas City, so fans will be keen to keep an eye on any of the new acquisitions coming into the fold Friday night. Jordyn Listro and Victoria Pickett are a duo of young, exciting midfielders that can provide additional spark of Kansas City.