Chemistry, consistency, cohesion

In season opener, Thorns prove they've pulled it all together

As the Portland Thorns opened their season Saturday night, the Rose City Riveters fan group in the stands raised a hand-painted banner that stretched 15 rows back.

It showed Portland on a map with the text: Where every game means the world. The message was a nod to both the Womens World Cup this summer and the players who will stay with the Thorns during the tournament.

But the message also hinted at the big question for 2015: How will the Thorns perform when superstar strikers Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair need to leave for the World Cup?

If Saturday was any indication, the Thorns will be just fine.

Even with a handful of national team players on hand, it was the clubs popular role players the ones not expected to play in the World Cup who shined at home against the Boston Breakers. They secured a 4-1 win to open the season, but also offered a glimpse into what may be ahead for the Thorns in an unusual season.

Players to watch: Morgan is one of the best strikers in the world and arguably the face of the National Womens Soccer League, but it seems the Thorns wont be in too much trouble when she takes a break for the World Cup.

With Allie Long on hand as an attacking midfielder, the Thorns will be in strong position to weather the summer months, when national team players will be in Canada for the tournament.

Of course, part of what makes Long so good are her own aspirations to be on the U.S. national team. She was on the bubble for much of last year, earning a handful of call-ups, but lately it appears the core national team squad doesnt include her.

Long, who was the Thorns No. 2 scorer last season, made a clear statement Saturday with two goals in one minute of the second-half, boosting the Portland lead to three.

Go here to read the rest:
Chemistry, consistency, cohesion