Portland Thorns fight for playoffs as Utah Royals battle to keep hopes alive

Portland Thorns host Utah Royals on Saturday in a game that's sure to test the nerves of both fans and players alike. And it's no hyperbola to say this matchup does feel like a make-or-break moment. Both teams really do need to win, and the situations of each side truly mirror each other: while the Thorns are fighting to lock up a playoff spot, Utah is trying to avoid elimination. It's the stage of Providence Park, and the script is set for one of those games that stay in the memory.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Thorns Searching for Answers

One thing that Portland Thorns are missing right now is consistency. The team has managed to pick up just one point in the last six games. For a club with the history and tradition of the Thorns, that is a big red flag. Their last win in the NWSL was back in July, and since then, it has been a team that fights but just can't seem to find a way forward.

Head coach Rob Gale, who recently took over permanently, hasn't been able to turn things around in the league just yet. It's a big challenge. But the team still has one major advantage: Sophia Smith. With 11 goals this season, Smith has been the only real bright spot in the Thorns' attack. And that's exactly where the problem lies. That reliance on her is there for a reason, though, and that's because when she isn't playing at her best, those other options fade away.

Utah Royals: The fight for survival

If the situation for the Thorns is concerning, the Utah Royals are really racing against time. With only 15 points, they are still in the running, but a loss could be the final nail in the coffin. After three straight defeats, the hard-fought 1-0 win against Racing Louisville gave them the boost they needed. Ana Tejeda's goal, which was recognized as the Goal of the Week in the NWSL, symbolized a team that still believes.

What's clicking for Utah? Well, it's this Spanish midfielder pairing of Ana Tejada and Claudia Zornoza. They have been the cog in the machine, holding tight in defense while pushing the ball forward. For Utah to pull off a stunning victory- unlikely but not beyond the realm of possibility- they will have to bank on this partnership to hold the Thorns' offense at bay.

Recent History Carries Weight

One curious factor in this matchup is the recent history between the two teams. Back in July, Utah beat Portland 3-1 in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, with three different players finding the net. That game showed that when Utah gets it right, they're dangerous. Their previous NWSL meeting did end 0-0, despite Utah having the better chances but failing to convert them.

And with this kind of history between the teams, pressure mounts on both sides, but perhaps a little more on the Thorn's side as they haven't won home since early July. Playing at Providence Park with an exigent fan base sometimes can be a blessing or a curse.

First Goal, Everything

But there is a statistic: serious business - both Thorns and Utah have struggles coming from behind. It also shows just how important the start of the game will be: when Portland score first, they almost never lose, with 8 wins and just 1 loss. The same goes for Utah, as when they open the scoring, they remain unbeaten-5 wins and 1 draw. If Utah can manage to hold off Portland in the opening minutes and find a gap in their defense, the momentum could swing in their favor.

Who's Under More Pressure?

It's a bit of a pressure cooker for both sides. This is a game where Rob Gale really needs to deliver. He took over a team with the goal of securing a playoff spot, and right now, that's in jeopardy. Portland was once a dominant team, but they need to prove that they know how to win when it matters most. The crowd's expectations could work in their favor, or it could fuel anxiety that holds them back.

For Utah, it's all or nothing. A loss would mean a final goodbye to playoffs that no team would want. The team understands the task ahead is tough; however, they have often demonstrated their resilience. The coach will have to maintain a balance between defense and fast counterattacks with the help of tactical brains like Tejeda and Zornoza. Concentration should be on not wasting any opportunities, as against the Thorns, any mistake may prove expensive.