The prelude to the NWSL regular season is over. San Diego Wave FC won the NWSL Challenge Cup, beating Gotham FC 0-1. Hours from now, the NWSL 2024 season will kick off as the Kansas City Current faces the Portland Thorns at home in the new CPKC Stadium. Interestingly, this is the same draw as the 2022 NWSL Championship finale. In 2022, Thorns beat Current 2-0 to win their 3rd league title. Besides, the Thorns have not won an away game in their last six matches. Since KC is hosting Rose City this time, they are at a better advantage for revenge! Nevertheless, let’s not overlook the Oregon-based club’s 8-1-1 record in NWSL openers in the last 10 seasons.

Before the 2024 NWSL season, KC Current revamped their roster by signing Sophie Braun and Regan Steigleder. Meanwhile, Portland Thorns added Canadian captain Jessie Fleming to their project. Now, let’s see which players will probably start in the NWSL opener.

KC Current vs. Portland Thorns- Injuries and expected lineups

KC Current Injury Report

Kansas City’s Desiree Scott, Vanessa Di Bernado, Hanna Glas, and Mallory Weber were on the season-ending injury list last year. As per the latest updates, they remain on the list in 2024 as well.

KC Current Expected Starting XI

(4-2-3-1): Adrianna Franch; Hailie Mace, Elizabeth Ball, Stine Ballisager, Izzy Rodriguez; Lo’eau LaBonta, Claire Hutton; Debinha, Michelle Cooper, Temwa Chawinga; Kristen Hamilton

Portland Thorns Injury Report

The Thorns have reported no injuries.

Portland Thorns Expected Starting XI

(4-2-3-1): Bella Bixby; Kelli Hubly, Meghan Klingenberg, Becky Sauerbrunn, Emily Menges; Jessie Fleming, Samantha Coffey; Morgan Weaver, Christine Sinclair, Olivia Moultrie; Sophia Smith

KC vs. Portland- Streaming details, H2H, and predictions

The KC Current-Portland Thorns tie will kick off on Saturday at 1 PM ET. Fans can watch the match on ABC on TV. Fans can also live-stream the game on ESPN+. KC and Portland have faced each other 9 times. Portland has had the better of Kansas City 6 times. Two games between the sides ended in a draw. Whereas, the Current won once. Moreover, in these matches altogether, Portland has outscored Kansas City 15-4!

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This time, the KC Current has the home advantage. But a three-player injury list is quite detrimental to Kansas City. Speaking of injuries, Portland is better off. Besides, the Current has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches. We predict them to win the opener with a 2-1 margin. After the opener, KC Current plays the San Diego Wave on March 23. The Thorns will next face Gotham FC on March 24.

What are your predictions for the NWSL opener? Tell us in the comments.

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