Thorns v Racing Pre Match Thoughts

Racing visits Portland on Saturday to take on the Thorns. Here are a few items to keep your eye on:

• The availability report will be interesting to watch. As previously stated, Bev isn't going to give too much away, therefore any speculation prior to the official release will have to be taken with a grain of salt. I get the “feeling” that Sav will be missing again, but that feeling isn't anything more than a hunch. The squad is deep and even though Racing are better with her in the lineup, the drop in quality isn't what it has been in the past.

• Portland is still a tough trip for Racing. They have never taken a point there. Regardless, Milliet stated that the team is looking to take all 3 points. I would have liked for Racing to have been heading into Portland with 6 points secured, but that isn't the case. This feels like a chance to maybe get a full result. It could also be a bad time to catch the Thorns who have to be disappointed in their start and therefore looking for blood. Depending on how things go, a first point in Portland may not be a bad result.

• Emma Sears shared when I asked about her team speed record that Abby sets PRs when she runs with her. I think it sometimes gets overlooked that the veterans can benefit as much from the rookie/veteran relationship as the rookies do. Emma also said that she wasn't going to give up her speed record any time soon.

• The actual flight to Portland was smooth according to Lo, which is always a plus.

• Next week is an off week, so whether Racing heads into it with 2, 3 or 5 points, it will be a chance to reflect before going into a 7 week stretch with a match per week.