There’s been a flip of the switch in the NWSL with the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave struggling this season. The top two teams of last season stayed 7th and 10th, respectively. While San Diego Wave’s playoff dreams are in tatters, the Thorns still hope to qualify in the last rounds. But, the injury to Sophia Smith is one critical explanation for this sudden drop in quality. With the latest injury updates out there, Rob Gale cut a looming figure.

The head coach faced several injury problems with his team and they look toasted. With three more matches to go in the NWSL, the Portland Thorns’ defeat to the Utah Royals became an issue. They now stay in 7th place with 28 points, tied up with Bay FC, who occupy 8th position. While the fans want some encouraging news about Sophia Smith, Rob Gale detailed the road to recovery.

In a post on X by Taylor Vincent, Rob Gale mentioned, “It’s in the hands of the medical department, so I have no answer for you on that right now.” Notably, Sophia Smith suffered an ankle injury during the CONCACAF W Champions League match against San Diego Wave on September 10th. Still, Smith remains on the sidelines and it’s a cause for concern.

There are some injury concerns for the Portland Thorns. Bella Bixby (maternity leave), Hina Sugita (face), Sophia Smith (ankle), Gabby Provenzano (SEI – ankle), Reilyn Turner (knee), and Olivia Wade Katoa (knee) are all out for the team, making their jobs harder. To everyone’s attention, Sophia Smith had an ankle injury after the 2023 World Cup. Those ankle issues have caused several problems as she missed out on matches. With the player now out, Rob Gale needs someone to step up in the remaining 3 games in the NWSL.

The Portland Thorns can’t wait for Sophia Smith to return!

When you look at Sophia Smith’s influence on the Portland Thorns, it’s much different from what she does for the USWNT. With the ‘Triple Espresso’ (Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith) leading the line, Sophia Smith stays as a target player. Emma Hayes wants her to stay in the box and become a ruthless finisher. She scores a lot of tap-ins and headers, and one might say she is a fox in the box.

On the flip side, she plays a complete transformation role for the Thorns. We can see her drop deep and linking up play with the midfielders and other attackers. While scoring goals, she makes chances for her team after having 11 assists in the last two seasons. The Thorns play the champions Orlando Pride next, followed by Racing Louisville and Angel City FC. Hopefully, they can get the points needed to make the playoffs.

The Orlando Pride would be a tight affair and Racing Louisville stays 9th with a chance to make the playoffs. Well, you can’t say what happens in the game against Angel City FC. All in all, they need to deliver solid performances. If they don’t, they are out of the MLS Cup tournament. Do you see them making it?