PORTLAND — With 10 games left in the National Women’s Soccer League season, the Portland Thorns 6-6-2 record reflects the kind of up and down year it has been for the defending champions.
Coach Paul Riley believes the arrival of United States women’s national team midfielder Tobin Heath can be the spark that finally launches a late-season surge. Heath joined the Thorns this week and is expected to play alongside Veronica Boquete in midfield today when the Chicago Red Stars visit Providence Park for an 11 a.m. match. (Live webstream at portlanthornsfc.com).
“Tobin’s going to make a big difference in the midfield,” Riley said. “For me, Vero’s the best No. 10 (attacking central midfielder) in the world, and Tobin’s the best No. 10 in America. Her and Vero are just two class players and they’ve worked really well together this week.”
To explain why he believes Heath will fit seamlessly alongside Boquete, Riley compared it to joining a lineup that includes Argentina star Lionel Messi.
“I think I can run on the field and play with (Messi) because he’s that good, you know what I mean? And I think (Boquete and Heath) both feel that way about each other,” the coach said.
The coach hopes his star midfielders produce quick results. The Thorns are tied for fourth place with Chicago and Western New York (which has played two more games than the Thorns and the Red Stars). The top four teams make the playoffs. Last season, Portland entered the playoffs as the fourth seed and had to win two away games to claim the title.
“(Heath) could be the saving grace for everybody, so hopefully she will be,” Riley said.
Last season, the Thorns actually struggled more after Heaths arrival before finding their stride in the playoffs, where Heath was instrumental in the two road wins that brought Portland the inaugural NWSL championship.
“Last year we peaked at the right time,” defender Rachel Van Hollebeke said. “The goal is to peak at the right time and obviously win it again. That is still very doable for us. We obviously have to win and put some great performances together. That’s what we’re looking to do.”
Notes
Today’s match marks the return of Karina LeBlanc, the Canadian goalkeeper who was a popular member of last year’s Thorns. Portland traded LeBlanc to Chicago in the offseason after signing German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer. LeBlanc has been scored against 10 times in 11 matches, the third lowest goals-against average in the league, and has three shutouts this season.
• Riley said that forward Jackie Acevedo is training with the Mexican national team until July 20. As a result, the Thorns did not need to release a player this week when Heath was added to the roster. The NWSL roster limit is 20 players.
• Vancouver resident Tina Ellertson has been named head coach of the Portland Thorns Academy. The former Thorns player and U.S. national team member will lead the first girls club academy program in the nation.
