Over the next two days, ProSoccerTalk will be providing quick capsules of the eight teams participating in the new National Women’s Soccer League. We continue with the favorites: Portland Thorns FC.
Many of us have come to accept that having a dominant team like the New York Yankees or Jordan-era Chicago Bulls can be good for a league. For casual fans who aren’t apt to entangle themselves in a circuit’s day-to-day, a marquee team provides both a focal point and the foundation for some underdog stories. Though there are aspects of dynasties that conflict with our want of level playing fields, that type of idealism is actually pretty rare. Teams like a 1980s Edmonton Oilers or early-MLS D.C. United help focus disparate attention. Particularly for growing leagues, it’s often an ideal situation.
Try selling that idea to Thorns FC’s opposition. Portland’s star-laden franchise has assumed the favorite’s mantle, with their fortunate allocation and ability to lure quality free agents making them the league’s early favorites. Having the best facilities and most resources in the league (thanks to the Timbers’ ownership group) only adds to expectations. What the Miami Heat are to this year’s NBA, the Thorns are to the NWSL, and although head coach Cindy Parlow Cone has spent preseason reiterating games aren’t done on paper, her debut season is expected to be an exceedingly successful one.
Who you know: There’s this up-and-comer named Alex Morgan you may have heard of. She’s the player celebrating in the picture, above. Smart, fast, good on the ball, and a clinical finisher, this Cal alum will be going places if ...
Who am I kidding? Of course, you’ve heard Alex Morgan. And you’ve probably heard of Christine Sinclair, Canada’s captain who many consider the best player in the world. Together, they form an ideal striking tandem: Two elite talents who, with Morgan’s presence along the line and Sinclair’s playmaking skills, fit perfectly with each other.
Portland also has Rachel Buehler, a regular defensive starter on the national team, and midfielder Tobin Heath, who will join the team in June after finishing her short-term stay with Paris Saint-Germain.
Who you should know: Becky Edwards is an elite defensive midfielder who was part of two title teams in WPS. Her ball-winning ability is as good as any in the league, with her distribution set to act as a fulcrum at the base of Portland’s midfield. Expected to sit in front of the defense in a 4-4-2, Edwards can also protect what’s expected to be one of the few week points on the Thorns’ formation.
What it means: Anything short of a title would be a disappointment for Portland, but they’re not so clear of their opposition that the 2013 season won’t be a challenge. Still, there’s a natural tendency to see this team as the NWSL’s Lyon Feminine or Arsenal Ladies. If Portland play to their potential, they’ll be just as dominant.
Portland begins their season Saturday against another of the league’s preseason favorites: FC Kansas City.
More NWSL previews:
- Team preview: Boston Breakers
- Team preview: Chicago Red Stars
- Team preview: FC Kansas City
- Team preview: Portland Thorns
- Team preview: Seattle Reign FC
- Team preview: Sky Blue FC
- Team preview: Washington Spirit
- Team preview: Western New York Flash
And more: