A “heated affair”: why Portland Thorns’ “surprising” tactics edged them past Kansas City

After the success of last year’s NWSL Challenge Cup, which replaced the regular season due to the ongoing pandemic, many were excited by the tournament’s return this year, with new teams and players to watch. All 10 teams have been split into two groups, depending on their geographical location in the USA. Portland Thorns’ opening game at Providence Park last Friday night was against Kansas City, known last season as Utah Royals, and this tactical analysis will look in closer detail at both teams’ tactics and approaches to the game. Both had good and bad parts in their performances, and things to take away and work on.

Lineups

Portland Thorns were missing several key players, with Lindsey Horan, Crystal Dunn and Becky Sauerbrunn currently with the USA national side, whilst captain Christine Sinclair has linked up with Canada for their games. Head coach Mark Parsons therefore started some players out of their normal positions, going with a 4-3-1-2 formation. Meghan Klingenberg played in midfield instead of left-back, whilst Costa Rica international Rocky Rodriguez was deployed in a deeper midfield role, instead of her usual one further forward. Christen Westphal and Madison Pogarch played at right and left-back respectively, whilst Simone Charley and Tyler Lussi played upfront, with Marissa Everett supporting them from the attacking tip of the midfield.

Kansas City, meanwhile, opted for a 4-1-4-1 starting formation, with Welsh head coach Huw Williams starting many of his first-choice players. Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, who spent September to December on loan at WSL side Birmingham City Women, played alongside Kate Del Fava in central defence. Gaby Vincent played in the hole between defence and attack, whilst Canadian midfielder Victoria Pickett, who joined the team in the 2021 NWSL draft, partnered Maddie Nolf in the centre of the pitch. Captain and star forward Amy Rodriguez led their attack from the front.