Coming off back-to-back road victories versus Kansas City and Houston, the San Diego Wave will take on the Portland Thorns on Friday, May 26, at Snapdragon Stadium in a rematch of their April 19 Challenge Cup opener. San Diego won that day and hopes to come out victorious again as the two teams are currently tied with 15 points along with the Washington Spirit and are only one point behind league-leader Gotham FC.

The Thorns are coming off a 4-0 blowout of the Chicago Red Stars in their previous match that broke a three-game winless streak for the reigning NWSL champions.

“It doesn’t get any easier in this league,” said San Diego head coach Casey Stoney. “We know that going into this Portland game we’re playing an excellent side. They’ve got exceptional talent throughout their roster and it’s a challenge that we’re really looking forward to.”

San Diego has not given up a goal in three of its last five matches with goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan earning her 25th clean sheet in the 3-0 victory versus the Dash on May 20. The Thorns have scored 22 goals this season, which is tops in NWSL, with the Wave having the second-best offense scoring 15 goals.

The game on Friday will also feature two of the top scorers in the league as Portland striker Crystal Dunn and San Diego forward Alex Morgan face off with five goals each, respectively. The two teams will meet twice more with their next match coming in Challenge Cup play on July 21 and again on September 30, both matches at Providence Park.

Photo: David Frerker