This is the final match before the NWSL’s July international break, and both teams are looking to close the first half of the season on a high note. Portland Thorns FC, currently fifth in the standings, are unbeaten in their last four home matches and have won four of their last seven overall. Chicago Stars FC, meanwhile, are still searching for their second win of the season and have struggled to hold leads late in games.
Portland Thorns FC: Fortress Providence and Rising Form
Record: 5–4–3 (19 points, 5th place)
Last Match: 2–0 win vs Washington Spirit
Goals Scored: 18 (1.50 per match)
Goals Conceded: 12 (1.00 per match)
Strengths:
Home Dominance: Portland is unbeaten in their last four at Providence Park.
Balanced Attack: Reilyn Turner leads the team with 3 goals, while Hina Sugita has contributed 2 assists and strong midfield control.
Defensive Solidity: Bella Bixby has recorded multiple clean sheets, including last week’s shutout vs Washington.
Key Players:
Reilyn Turner: 3 goals, 1 assist – clinical in the final third.
Hina Sugita: 2 assists, 85% pass accuracy – midfield engine.
Bella Bixby: 4 clean sheets – commanding presence in goal.
Chicago Stars FC: Searching for Stability
Record: 1–8–3 (6 points, 13th place)
Last Match: 2–2 draw vs Seattle Reign FC
Goals Scored: 10 (0.83 per match)
Goals Conceded: 26 (2.17 per match)
Strengths:
Ludmila’s Brilliance: Scored a two-minute brace last week before exiting with a head injury; leads the team with 4 goals.
Emerging Talent: Jameese Joseph has 2 assists and continues to create chances from midfield.
Goalkeeping Depth: Halle Mackiewicz has stepped in for the injured Alyssa Naeher and made 7 saves in her last two starts.
Concerns:
Late-Game Collapses: Chicago has dropped points in multiple matches after leading at halftime.
Injury Woes: Ludmila’s status is uncertain, and Natalia Kuikka is still regaining fitness.
Head-to-Head & Recent Trends
| Category | Portland Thorns | Chicago Stars FC |
| Last 5 Matches | W–L–W–D–W | D–D–L–L–L |
| Home Record | 3–1–2 | — |
| Away Record | — | 1–4–1 |
| All-Time Series | Portland leads 13–3–6 | — |
| Last Meeting | Chicago 1–0 Portland (Sept 2024) | — |
Portland has scored 47 goals in 22 all-time meetings vs Chicago
Chicago has conceded 2+ goals in 8 of 12 matches this season
Over 2.5 goals has hit in 6 of Portland’s last 8 matches
Players to Watch
Portland Thorns:
Reilyn Turner: Leads the line with pace and precision.
Hina Sugita: Orchestrates the midfield with vision and control.
Janine Beckie: Returning to form after injury, adds width and creativity.
Chicago Stars:
Ludmila: If cleared to play, remains Chicago’s most dangerous threat.
Jameese Joseph: Key playmaker with strong passing range.
Halle Mackiewicz: Young keeper under pressure, but showing promise.
Projected Score:
Portland Thorns FC 3, Chicago Stars FC 1
MATCH ODDS
Portland Thorns – 300 Draw + 425 Chicago Red Stars + 750
Over 2.5 – 150 Under 2.5 + 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
