The Rose City Breakdown

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! Co-hosts, Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss the Portland Thorns' 'inexcusable' draw versus Chicago Stars at Providence Park, potential NWSL trade and loan targets, and previews the next match. In Melina's Corner, she does a film review that encapsulates the issues that PTFC face in attack, especially in the final third. Should Caiya Hanks be inserted in the starting lineup for Morgan Weaver, and what's missing from Sophia Wilson, Pietra Tordin, and Reilyn Turner the past few weeks. Also, the defensive issues that continue to be the theme of the season... They've dropped 21 points from winning positions, allowed 11 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches, and haven't scored an open-play goal in over three games. With the roster freeze set to take place on October 8, could the club be looking at making an addition? Outside of Sam Staab of Chicago Stars, Taylor Flint of Racing Louisville, who else could the Jeff Agoos and Robert Vilahamn be looking at? Coming off a deflating draw, can they rebound against superstar Barbra Banda coming off an extension and the new-look Orlando Pride led by interim head coach Yolanda Thomas? The Portland Thorns 1-1 draw vs Chicago Stars | 1:20 Potential National Women's Soccer League Trade and Loan targets | 17:34 Melina's Corner | 27:50 Orlando Pride Preview | 38:50 Final Thoughts | 44:50

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! After opening up the scoring on a penalty kick from Sophia Wilson, the Portland Thorns once again could not hold the 1-0 lead. The home side came out on the front foot and dominated the first half before the nightmare in the second half. They fell 1-2 at Providence Park to Washington Spirit who stormed back in the second half with two goals - ending a 13 home unbeaten streak. The dynamic duo of Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar take a deep-dive on the game and discuss it all including the infamous non-call on the handball from Tara Rudd and PRO (Professional Referee Organization) response. In Melina's corner she dives into lingering defensive concerns, Jessie Fleming's (19 defensive actions, 9 duels won, 91% passing accuracy) masterclass, Nina Nijstad's improvement, and much more. Head coach Robert Vilahamn addressed the media and discussed the transfer window. Could the club be looking to make an addition ahead of the playoffs? Definitely a possibility, but the NWSL as the priority. INTERVIEW: Nina Nijstad has taken the league by storm and has flourished in midfield for PTFC. We had an opportunity to sit down with her and discuss making the move from the Netherlands all the way to the United States and the National Women's Soccer League. She also opens up with how hard the move has been being away from family and friends for so long.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss all things Portland Thorns. - Match recap of Portland Thorns' 1-1 draw at Gotham FC - Defensive shape improvements - Bench issues? Robert Vilahamn has only used four total subs the past two matches - Zero minutes for Reyna Reyes, Reilyn Turner, and Marie Müller - Concerns key players could be leaving soon? - The Pietra Tordin 'Conundrum' - Is her versatility helping or hurting her/team? - Melina's Corner: Jessie Fleming masterclass and a lot of positives from M.A. Vignola, Carolyn Calzada and the backline - Washington Spirit preview - Transfer Window's major priority and what to expect

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! In the first half of the episode, Phuoc and Melina discuss the following: - Match recap of Portland Thorns' 1-0 win over Orlando Pride - Postgame comments from Robert Vilahamn and Nick Cushing - The identity of PTFC: Counterattacking Football - Where the heck is Reyna Reyes? Why her absence doesn't make any sense even after hearing the initial responses - Updates on Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver, Marie Müller, and Isa Obaze - Melina's Corner featuring a masterclass from Jessie Fleming, Pietra Tordin, and major improvements from Nina Nijstad. In the final half, Anumita Jain of All For XI and The IX joins us to preview the Gotham FC super-clash. - How has Gotham been so dominant? - Is there a concern about their future with the amount of young players being sent away for veterans? - Is the 2-2 result in the first matchup a precursor to this matchup? - One player from backline, midfield, and frontline to watch - What metrics/stats will determine the outcome of this game? - Does Portland having Caiya Hanks and Morgan Weaver back make this a more even affair?

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown. The Portland Thorns are coming off a thrilling 2-1 win over Orlando Pride including a GOLAZO from Deyna Castellanos and the epic return from Caiya Hanks with her 96th minute game-winner. Co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar cover it all including: - Match Recap - Why the three points picked up aren't exactly a recipe for success, especially if you look at the statistics and metrics - Sam Hiatt and Reyna Reyes omissions and what it means moving forward - Meghan Klingenberg honored and Tobin Heath is next - Melina's Corner with a lot of defensive issues still remaining - What to do about the 10 position moving forward? - Denver Summit FC match preview

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss it all: - USWNT midfielder Olivia Moultrie's heartbreaking ACL injury - What options the team has in her absence - The good, bad, and the ugly in 4-3 win over Boston Legacy - The defensive issues and why it won't be going away anytime soon - Does Robert Vilahamn deserve more resources from the front office? - Why President/GM Jeff Agoos deserves credit for the frontline, but also needs to take responsibility for the state of the backline - A potential formation change with a new role for Reyna Reyes - Orlando Pride matchup preview with some problematic stats for PTFC BONUS: Melina shows off her Spider-Man: Brand New Day pin

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown Podcast! Phuoc Nguyen and Melina Gaspar are joined by Eric Morgan and Evan Davis of the Expected Own Goals podcast to talk the Portland Thorns' brutal 1-5 loss at Utah Royals, the unclear identity under Robert Vilahamn, alarming metrics that could spell doom, Jeff Agoos' track record as president and GM, and much more. In the second half, Jackie Contreras of the Blazing Musket joins us to preview the match at Boston Legacy.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! Melina Gaspar reviews the film in the thrilling 2-2 draw vs Gotham FC, issues that need to be fixed, and what stood out most. The duo also discuss the road and defensive woes the Portland Thorns are currently facing, the return of Morgan Weaver, and much more. In the second half, Phuoc Nguyen talks with Royal Riot's Sean Moran to preview the Utah Royals matchup.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, Melina's corner shows game footage of the ways Denver Summit FC exploited the Portland Thorns. The duo discuss the continuing issues on the road and closing at games (six goals allowed in the last 15 minutes - second most in NWSL). In the second half, Anumita Jain of All For XI, The IX, and Equalizer Soccer joins us to talk all things Gotham FC including: the historic defense, Sam Kerr, Denise O'Sullivan, injuries and early adversity, and gives insight into PTFC's transfer needs.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown. On this episode, we are joined by Leo Baudhuin from the Willamette Week to discuss the contract extensions for Jessie Fleming and Pietra Tordin, signing of Nina Nijstad from PSV, Lindsey Heaps reunion, and Cascadia Derby woes. In the second half, Matt Pollard of Burgundy Wave joins us to preview the Portland Thorns at Denver Summit FC match. He discusses the historic support the team has found from Colorado, Lindsey Heaps potential impact, the leadership of Janine Sonis, and the keys to the match.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, Melina conducts a film study from the Portland Thorns 4-0 demolition of Racing Louisville. Phuoc speaks with Sounder at Heart's (Ride of the Valkyries) Steve Voght to preview the Cascadia Derby and the best rivalry in all of women's sports: Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign. And lastly, the duo discuss the signing of PSV midfielder Nina Nijstad and the reported $500k-$1 million transfer fee.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown. On this episode, the duo and co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss the upcoming summer transfer window, sharing their top targets and priorities. In the second half of the podcast, Brendan Devine of Butchertown Rundown joins us to preview the Racing Louisville matchup and the return of NWSL play.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown podcast! The Portland Thorns have been one of the early surprises of the 2026 NWSL season. However, is everything perfect? Are they expected the favorites to win the shield and championship? Not so fast... Co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar bring out the report cards for the goalkeepers, backline, midfielders, frontline, coaching staff, and front office & ownership. Which group has shined? Who still has a lot of work to do? Find out.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown - the professional women's sports podcast that covers the excellence in Portland. On this episode, we are joined by Sean Moran of the Royal Riot podcast to preview the clash of the titans, No. 2 Portland Thorns vs No. 1 Utah Royals. How have URFC become the best story in the NWSL? We discuss it all. Also we preview the game and which players and matchups will determine the outcome. Which team will go into the international break the top team in the National Women's Soccer League? In the last half of the podcast, Melina Gaspar takes you on a film study quest to review how Kansas City Current took down PTFC 3-1. Portland Fire coverage? With the NWSL break coming up, we will be covering the incredible start to the expansion side's WNBA season in June and beyond.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, Phuoc preview the Portland Thorns at Kansas City Current matchup with KC Soccer Journal's managing editor, Thad Bell. In Melina Corner's, her film review covers the keys to the 2-0 win over Bay FC!

On this episode of the Rose City Breakdown, we are joined by Sara Ach of the WOSO Show (The Women's Soccer Show), play-by-play for Stanford and Cal soccer, and the international NWSL broadcast to preview the Portland Thorns and Bay FC matchup. In Melina's corner, her film session covers the entirety of the 0-0 draw versus Angel City FC!

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown - the only dedicated women's professional sports podcast in Portland. The Portland Fire earned their first ever win off a buzzer-beater from Sarah Ashlee Barker - an upset 98-96 victory over New York Liberty. We'll be returning with our segment on the next episode. The Portland Thorns are coming off their second loss of the season, this time a 1-3 road loss to Racing Louisville. Phuoc Nguyen and Melina discuss what's missing in the midfield, slow second half starts, if the metrics/statistics are finally catching up to the team, and summer transfer window priorities. In the last half of the show, Trebor Tracy of Angels on Parade previews the matchup between Angel City FC and Portland Thorns.

The No. 1 ranked Portland Thorns head on the road to take on No. 15 Racing Louisville. To preview the matchup on this episode of The Rose City Breakdown, we are joined by Butchertown Rundown's Brendan Devine. We discuss the early struggles the team is facing, Bev Yanez's impact on young talent, the frontline of Emma Sears, Sarah Weber, and Kayla Fischer, key matchups, and much more. Does Louisville have an answer for Sophia Wilson, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, and Olivia Moultrie? Read and Listen to their team's work at Butchertown Rundown: https://substack.com/@butchertownrundown?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page https://bsky.app/profile/brendan-devine.bsky.social

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown - the only women's professional sports podcast in the city of Portland. The Portland Thorns are now four points clear in first place of the NWSL table. Melina Gaspar and I share our thoughts of the wins over San Diego Wave 2-0 and Chicago Stars 2-0. Who stood out and what lingering concerns are there? In Melina's corner, she highlights the standout play of Jessie Fleming and a few defensive details that needs to improve. The WNBA is finally back? For the first time since 2002, the Portland Fire are returning. Matt Bagley of Portland Supporter ( portlandsupporter.com ) and Sports Illustrated discusses the expectations for the team, potential starting five, which players to look out for, and so much more. https://bsky.app/profile/bagleysports.bsky.social

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown - The Women's Sports podcast for all professional sports in Portland. Melina is back better than ever with a new microphone and Phuoc is also there. On this episode, the duo discuss the key stats that determined the 2-1 road win for Portland Thorns over Angel City FC, Carolyn Calzada's strong debut, and much more. They also react to Soph Wilson's first goal since her return and why it changes so much moving forward for the team. Are you ready for the clash of the NWSL titans? Phuoc spoke to SanDiego.Futbol & All For XI writer Abe Zepeda, to preview the matchup between the No. 1 San Diego Wave coming into to Providence Park against No. 2 PTFC.