“We found a good balance”: Why Portland Thorns’ press was key to their NWSL win over “flat” Kansas City Current – tactical analysis

With the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup nearing its conclusion, the regular league season has officially got underway, and one team widely expected to compete for the title is Portland Thorns. They are under new leadership this season, with former Canada striker and England assistant Rhian Wilkinson named as Mark Parsons’ permanent successor back in November, and her first league match saw Kansas City Current visit Providence Park. Kansas have been in good form so far this year, having topped the Challenge Cup’s Central Division with four wins from their six games, so this was a tight match to call on paper.

However, as things turned out, the Thorns’ intense pressing and strength in and out of possession proved too much for Kansas, with the visitors starting slowly and on the back foot from the first minute. This tactical analysis will look at Portland’s attacking play in more detail, as well as breaking down the Current’s tactics and changes throughout the game and the errors that led to their eventual defeat.

Lineups

Portland Thorns made three changes from their narrow Cup defeat at Angel City, with a penalty from former Manchester United Women forward Christen Press deciding the outcome of that game. Full-back Madison Pogarch and midfielders Olivia Moultrie and Yazmeen Ryan all dropped to the bench, with Portland opting for a 3-4-1-2 formation that utilised wing-backs. Finland defender Natalia Kuikka came in to start on the right, whilst Meghan Klingenberg switched to her usual left-hand side of the pitch and Meaghan Nally was included alongside Emily Menges and Kelli Hubly to complete the defensive line. Sam Coffey was the other new face in the XI, partnering Costa Rica international Rocky Rodríguez in the middle of the field, whilst Christine Sinclair dropped into a playmaker role, allowing Morgan Weaver and former Manchester City Women forward Janine Beckie to form a front two.

Kansas City Current also rotated their squad from the win against Chicago Red Stars, with Thursday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against North Carolina Courage in head coach Matt Potter’s mind. Out went goalkeeper Cassie Miller, defender Taylor Leach, midfielders Desiree Scott and Victoria Pickett and forward Kristen Hamilton, with the starting formation changing to a 4-3-3 after a 3-4-1-2 was used against Chicago. Former Portland stopper Adrianna Franch was given a start against her old club, whilst Kristen Edmonds dropped into a defensive midfield role, allowing Chardonnay Curran and Kate Del Fava to partner up in the midfield. Striker Elyse Bennett kept her place as the attacking focal point, with Lo’eau LaBonta and Addie McCain providing support either side of her.