Match preview and how to watch: USA vs Portugal

The United States women’s national team are back in action as they continue their World Cup victory tour, this time with two friendlies against Portugal.

There are, of course, some changes for this game. A big subset of the World Cup roster is other outright unavailable or questionable with injury, which means they’ve added Casey Short and Kristen Hamilton to the roster, both of whom probably have better than even odds of playing. Based on NWSL injury reports, at the very least Rose Lavelle (concussion), Kelley O’Hara (ankle), Alex Morgan (concussion), and Megan Rapinoe (Achilles) seem like they’ll stay on the bench or get very limited minutes.

There should also be a great crowd in Philly - US Soccer announced that this game sold more than 44,100 tickets, breaking the team’s record for a standalone friendly game.

The last USWNT meeting with Portugal was in November of 2018, when they won 1-0 away as part of a miniature European tour. They were also playing with newcomer Emily Fox in the defense, still tinkering a little bit before the roster settled into its final World Cup form. This time around the back line will look more settled. And not to irrationally get any particular fans’ hopes up, but with Alyssa Naeher having an iffy thigh, perhaps this will be a game for Ashlyn Harris to see out for 90.

Hypothetical lineup:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (8): Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (NC Courage), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Utah Royals FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Morgan Brian (Chicago Red Stars), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit), Allie Long (Reign FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage)

FORWARDS (8): Kristen Hamilton (NC Courage), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd(Sky Blue FC), Jessica McDonald (NC Courage), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC)

Schedule, TV, and streaming:

Thursday, August 29
7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
FS1
Stream with Fubo