As the NWSL season approaches its conclusion and the playoff picture begins to take shape, Angel City FC is marching into a decisive week. The club sits in 10th place, two positions away from a playoff spot, and hosts back-to-back matches on their home ground. On Monday night, they host the Portland Thorns, and then on Friday against the Washington Spirit. Yet there is a cause of concern for the Thorns regarding Sophia Smith.

Notably, Thorns will be without star striker Sophia Smith, who is injured and potentially sidelined. Soccer fans, in particular Portland Thorns supporters, may be about to receive some disappointing news if the latest reports are to be believed. The 23-year-old forward, known for her electric pace and prolific finishing touch, appears to have an ankle injury.

As per reports from Jonathan Tannewald of the Philly Inquirer on X, Smith suffered an ankle that concerns the team’s starting lineup. Part of the USWNT’s Triple Smith, she plays her heart out for the national team. Moreover, she plays different roles for her country and club. Under Emma Hayes, Smith becomes the fox in the boss, scoring goals inside the penalty area. On the other hand, she drops deep and links up play for the Portland Thorns, which will obviously hurt the team’s chances.

It may hinder her participation in one of the highly rated encounters of the National Women’s Soccer League. So far, nothing has been confirmed, but this might be a precaution by the Portland Thorns’ medical team as the NWSL playoffs are approaching. No one would want Smith to re-injure herself and lose even more important matches.

Angel City FC prepares for a match without Sophia Smith

For Angel City FC, this injury update is a ray of hope. Of course, facing Smith is not exactly a walk in the park for any team. That, however, does not mean the team will not prepare for a duel and give it their best shot. Portland has a lot of depth in the roster, so other offensive threats can step up in place of Smith.

This will give Angel City’s defense a little more confidence, knowing they will not have to deal with Smith’s threat of speed and creativity in the forward position. However, it could also individually change the tactical battle of the game, as Angel City may be able to press a little more proactively and defend a little higher up the pitch in Smith’s absence, knowing Portland’s attack is weaker.

At this moment, neither the management nor the players have issued any statements, and the supporters will only find out whether Smith will be fit for selection no sooner than when the final matchday squad is named. Given these circumstances, and assuming that these reports are correct, it would be a significant loss to the chances of Portland maintaining their playoff contention, if she does sit out the match.

That has led me to think that this may only be a minor inconvenience that will probably mean little, as she is expected to make her return the following week. Hopefully, we will see her back to playing in no time.