Sitting atop the NWSL standings, Saturday’s clash between the No. 1 Utah Royals and No. 2 Portland Thorns headlines the final slate before June’s midseason break.
The Royals and Thorns are tied at 23 points apiece. However, Utah has both a game in hand and undeniable momentum coming off a nine-game unbeaten streak.
“[The game] will just require the same elements we’ve been doing really well,” Utah manager Jimmy Coenraets said ahead of the weekend showdown. “We’ll have to measure intensity.”
Potent attacking duos fuel both teams, as Portland’s Sophia Wilson and Olivia Moultrie attempt to offset Utah’s Chloe Lacasse and Mina Tanaka.
Moultrie should play a major factor in the Thorns’ game plan. She currently sits tied for league assists-leader while ranking fourth in goals scored with four through 10 games.
“We have to be efficient in front of the goal,” added Coenraets. “All of the games we’ve been winning thus far, we’ve been efficient.”
Where to Watch the Utah Royals vs Portland Thorns NWSL Match
Utah takes on Portland on Saturday at 4 PM ET, live on ION.
