(15/3) PORTLAND THORNS FC II vs. SPOKANE S.C. SHADOW

West Region: Pac Northwest Conference

Thursday, June 19

7 p.m. (PDT) 

Providence Park

Portland, Ore.

Watch Line and On-Demand on the National Soccer Network

 

At a perfect 6-0-0, the No. 15 Portland Thorns FC II is more than living up to the thorny crest on the front of their jerseys. Serving as the functional reserve side to the Portland Thorns of the NWSL, the Thorns II has run away with the Pac Northwest Conference this season, featuring a combination of upcoming stars and homegrown talent. 

 

A win in tonight’s National Soccer Network National Matchup of the Week versus last year’s conference champion, Spokane SC Shadow, will lock up the conference title for the Thorns in front of a home crowd at the iconic Providence Park in Downtown Portland. 

 

“The depth of this roster has been the foundation of our success this season. It doesn’t matter who we put on the pitch, every player shows up prepared and ready to compete at a high level,” Gabe Tatz, Portland Thorns Academy executive director, said.

 

The standard at Thorns FC has pushed the academy to another level, something Tatz is proud to be part of.

 

“The leadership and guidance we’ve received from the Thorns FC staff has been absolutely integral to our growth and performance,” Tatz said. 

 

Spokane enters Thursday's National Matchup of the Week 2-0-2, trailing the conference-leading Thorns II by 12 points—though with two games in hand. For a chance at repeating as conference champions, Spokane must take all three points from Thursday night’s match. 

 

This is the second meeting between the two clubs. Last Saturday Portland handed Spokane its second loss of the season with a 2-0 defeat at Whitworth University in Spokane. 

 

“Spokane is a tremendous side. They won the conference last season. We had a gritty performance up in Spokane earlier this season, and we were fortunate to come away with a positive 2-0 result. We know this week’s matchup will be another hard-fought battle, and we’re looking forward to the challenge here in Portland,” Tatz said. 

 

Over its four games, Spokane has scored 13 goals, nearly all by committee. Delani Walker (Eastern Washington University 2022- ) leads the club with three goals on the season. On the defensive side, Spokane has conceded just four goals. Goalkeeper Kamryn Willoughby (Eastern Washington University 2022- ) has both clean sheets for the club. 

 

“We started off the season flying. Over the last couple of games we hit a lull in our scoring. We are creating chances at a very high level. The back of the net will come. Once it does, the flood gates will open. This is a special group of women. We are so excited for the second half of the season,” Drew Williams, Spokane SC Shadow head coach, said.

 

Portland leads the division with 15 goals. Emelia Warta (Gonzaga University 2023- )leads the club with three goals, followed by Shaela Bradley (University of North Carolina 2024- )with two on the season. Portland’s goalkeeping corps of Michaela McCollum (Gonzaga University 2024- ) and Nyamma Nelson (Northwestern University 2025- ) have yet to concede a goal, and are working on a shutout streak of more than 450 minutes entering Thursday’s match. 

 

“Portland is a very talented group that is extremely clinical in front of the goal. It does not take a lot of opportunities for them to bury one in the back of the net,” William said. “They also are a team who works for one another and will put their body on the line. They do whatever it takes to win and are bought in.”

 

Portland picked up three points earlier this week as the result of a forfeited match by Seattle Reign FC II scheduled for Wednesday night. Portland closes out its season Saturday, June 21 versus cross-town rival, Westside Metros FC. 

 

Spokane closes out Matchweek Seven on Saturday on the road at Vancouver Victory and closes out the season with a pair of Matchweek Eight road matches at Seattle Reign FC June 29 and at Westside Metros FC June 29.