Gotham starts Kerr, Reiten against Portland Thorns
Gotham FC has named Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten to the starting lineup for Friday’s NWSL clash with the Portland Thorns at Providence Park, with kickoff at 10 p.m. ET on Prime Video. The Gotham Portland Thorns matchup pits a table-top contender against a home side chasing a rebound.
Key Takeaways
- Sam Kerr makes her first Gotham start since returning to the NWSL; Guro Reiten returns to the XI.
- Acting head coach Shaun Harris made only those two changes after Gotham’s 3-2 comeback win over Seattle.
- Gotham (9-3-3, 30 points) is level with the Washington Spirit atop the table; a win would be a fourth straight.
- Portland hosts at 10 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with Morgan Weaver back from a long-term knee injury.
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Who starts for Gotham against the Portland Thorns?
According to Gotham FC’s official team news, Kerr starts up top in place of Esther González, who is out with an excused absence. Midge Purce lines up on the right and Jaedyn Shaw on the left. Reiten joins the back line in place of Mandy Freeman, alongside Jess Carter, Emily Sonnett, and captain Tierna Davidson.
Rose Lavelle shifts back into midfield with Jaelin Howell and Savannah McCaskill after last week’s stint as a left winger. Ann-Katrin Berger starts in goal for her 16th regular-season appearance of the year.
Kerr’s start is her first for the club since her Sky Blue FC days and her first trip to Providence Park since August 2019. She recently passed 10,000 regular-season minutes and notched her 25th career assist in the Seattle win.
Why does this Gotham Portland Thorns meeting matter in the standings?
Gotham enters on 30 points, tied with Washington for first. A victory would break that deadlock and extend the club’s regular-season winning streak to four. Harris will lead the side for the next five weeks while head coach Juan Carlos Amorós is on parental leave.
Portland, ranked No. 4, is looking to halt a skid after dropping back-to-back matches this month. Star striker Sophia Wilson leads the Thorns with seven goals, while Pietra Tordin tops the assist chart with six in 16 games. Forward Morgan Weaver returns from a knee injury that had sidelined her since November 2024.
“It’s always difficult coming to Portland and playing in this environment,” Harris said. “But at the same time we relish these kinds of moments.” Defender Bruninha added that Portland’s pace demands full attention.
How can fans watch Gotham vs Portland tonight?
Kickoff is 10 p.m. ET at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon. Prime Video carries the national broadcast. Gotham’s matchday squad also includes returning forward Jordynn Dudley, who rejoins the group for the first time since a head injury against Washington on July 15.
Kayla Duran and Taryn Torres remain on the season-ending injury list with knee issues. Away from home, Gotham has conceded just five goals this season, tied with Angel City for the fewest road goals allowed in the NWSL.