The final game of the weekend brings plenty of storylines as Angel City FC hosts the Portland Thorns. With playoff hopes on the line and two icons of the game saying goodbye, this is one NWSL fans will surely be tuning in for. Tune in Sunday, October 19 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+ to catch every moment.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
For Angel City, it’s win-or-go-home territory. One slip and their playoff hopes are over. Portland, meanwhile, can clinch yet another postseason berth with a win, extending their league-record playoff streak. It’s a classic West Coast duel with both sides fighting to keep their seasons alive — one for survival, the other for legacy.
Christen Press and Ali Riley’s Farewell
Earlier this season, Ali Riley announced this would be her last hurrah and this week, Christen Press made the same statement. NWSL fans have been gearing up for this one, the chance to say goodbye to two beloved Los Angeles icons who began their journeys together at Stanford and now close them out in front of their hometown fans. Expect an emotional atmosphere – and a celebration fitting for two players who helped shape the city’s soccer culture.
Rookie Watch
There’s young talent all over the pitch in this one. Angel City’s Riley Tiernan has already set a new club scoring record for rookies with eight goals and is closing in on the NWSL rookie record of 11. On the other side, Portland’s first-year duo Jayden Perry and Pietra Tordin have both made instant impacts. Perry has been clinical from the spot, while Tordin has chipped in four goals and appeared in nearly every match. With rookies on both sides chasing history, this matchup doubles as a glimpse into the league’s future.
Moultrie Magic
Portland’s Olivia Moultrie has been electric, scoring a brace a few weekends ago and continuing to build on the career she began as a teenager. She leads the league in chances created and free-kick goals, and her composure on the ball has become a must-watch and has even earned her a spot in the most recent USWNT roster. Every match feels like another step in her evolution into a generational talent
Same Faces, New Places
Sunday’s matchup adds an extra fun twist, with Angel City’s Hina Sugita and Portland’s M.A. Vignola lining up against their former clubs. Sugita was a creative force in Portland’s 2022 title run, while Vignola anchored Angel City’s defense before making the midseason move north. Familiar faces or not, playoff hopes are on the line, so don’t expect anyone to take it easy on their old teammates.
