The Rose City Breakdown

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown!

Co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss the Portland Thorns' 2-0 in the regular season finale at Houston Dash and what stood out.

The duo also talk about the importance of Jessie Fleming's career season and what the honor of Iron Woman truly means.

Also, how important was it for Sophia Wilson to return from suspension the way she did?

Has head coach Robert Vilahamn figured out his backline? Isa Obaze, Carolyn Calzada, Jayden "JP" Perry, and Reyna Reyes seem to be...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown with your co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar.

Coming in with just one victory in their last seven games and winless in their last four home matches, the Portland Thorns took on North Carolina Courage with major playoff implications.

Marie Müller scored a long-range GOLAZO for the game-winner and also clinching a playoff spot for PTFC.

Head Coach Robert Vilahamn made two adjustments on the backline: Carolyn Calzada to RB and Isa Obaze to CB to combine with Jayden "JP" Perry and Reyna R...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown!

On this episode, we are joined by the Willamette Week's Leo Baudhuin with Melina Gaspar dealing with El Niño back home in Argentina.

The recurring mistakes from the Portland continue to hurt the team. After securing the 1-0 lead from Nina Nijstad to Morgan Weaver, it was squandered to a 1-2 deficit before a late equalizer from Caiya Hanks.

While many playoff teams are playing consistent or their best football, PTFC has won just once in their last seven games - even with the easiest s...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown.

Attacker Pietra Tordin has earned her first cap for the USWNT as she joined Sophia Wilson in two tough friendlies against top-ranked Spain.

Also on international duty were: Reyna Reyes (Mexico), Marie Müller (Germany) Mackenzie Arnold (Australia), Jessie Fleming (Canada), Nina Nijstad (Netherlands U-23), Cassandra Ella Bogere (Sweden U23), Carolyn Calzada (U.S. U-23), and Jayden "JP" Perry (U.S. U-23).

Unfortunately at the club level, the Portland Thorns have continued their home struggles at Providence Park, failing to win any of their past four m...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown!

In the latest, USWNT roster, forward Pietra Tordin was named to her first ever senior team camp - a more than deserved honor for the rising and blossoming star.

On this podcast, co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss the Portland Thorns' latest problem: home form - only two points in the last three games at Providence Park.

The duo also discuss the team's struggles against the low block, issues in final third, and decision-making causing much of it.

How high is...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown!

Podcast co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar recap the Portland Thorns 4-1 road win at Orlando Pride where they conquered many downward trends including: holding leads, conceding late, and open play goals.

Head Coach Robert Vilahamn also addressed the trends, bravery, and getting accustomed to the expectations of PTFC. He has been consistent and open with the media throughout his first season and that continued here.

Morgan Weaver scored for the first time in 687 days (November 1, 2024), but how underrated is she as a leader...

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...

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...

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/t...

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 m...

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

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...

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?

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...

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...

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...

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...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown!

Phuoc Nguyen and Melina Gaspar are back to discuss the Portland Thorns' early season, who has stood out, lingering concerns, and much more.

Melina's Corner returns with a full film breakdown from the North Carolina Courage match with positives and a few glaring cons.

Also in the first-ever Portland Fire segment, Matt Bagley of Sports Illustrated (Oregon State Beavers) and PDX WNBA coverage at portlandsupporter.com.

He breaks down the current roster, grades for GM Vanja Černivec, what to expect from head coach Alex S...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown!

The NWSL is finally returning after the long international break.

In the Portland Thorns' first match back, they'll be heading on the road and facing off against one of the biggest surprises in the NWSL, Angel City FC.

I'm honored to be joined by Angels on Parade, Managing Editor Trebor Tracy, to preview this massive game.

In the preview, we discuss ACFC's strong early-season start, breakout stars Kennedy Fuller and Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Mark Parsons in his new role, underrated players, key mat...

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown.

Melina Gaspar is back and gives you a closer look at the Portland Thorns' decisive win over KC Current.

In Melina's corner, she breaks down the impact of Olivia Moultrie, Cassandra Bogere, Soph Wilson, and so much more.

To preview the NC Courage matchup, Phuoc Nguyen catches up with The Lion's Pitch to preview the latest matchup. Trevor Knoblich and Katherine Cleary discuss Manaka's return, how dangerous the North Carolina midfield could be, which matchups will decide the outcome, and much more.

Be sure...

The Rose City Breakdown duo immediately react to the Portland Thorns' first loss of the season, a 1-3 defeat at San Diego Wave.

Melina breaks down what went wrong tactically and what metrics stood out the most.

Phuoc speaks to Thad Bell of the KC Soccer Journal to preview the Saturday matchup between the two sides.

They discuss the Chris Armas hire, trade of Claire Hutton, Temwa Chawinga's absence, early season struggles, key matchups and what type of match to expect.

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown.

In this episode, Melina Gaspar breaks down footage from the craziest Cascadia Derby ever. She focuses on Jessie Fleming's importance in attack and defense.

She also discusses the six position moving forward without Cassandra Bogere (suspension).

In the second half of the episode, Phuoc Nguyen speaks to Abe Zededa of All For XI and SanDiego.Futbol to preview the Portland Thorns at San Diego Wave midweek matchup.

On this episode we discuss the early season start for SDW, the addition of Catarina Macario, key...

Despite two red cards, the Portland Thorns took down the Seattle Reign 2-0 in front of a home opener record of 21,321 fans at Providence Park.

Pietra Tordin chipped in two goal contributions, Reilyn Turner opened up her scoring account, and the Rose City recorded yet another shutout.

Jessie Fleming, Morgan Messner, Sam Hiatt, and Isa Obaze have put on a masterclass and now have back-to-back shutouts.

Leo Baudhuin of the Willamette Week joins me to break it all down.

Photographer: Kelsey Baker

Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown.

Happy Cascadia Derby week!

Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign is widely-regarded as one of, if not the best rivalry in all of women's sports.

Although these special matches are typically played later in the NWSL season, it is now the home opener for the Thorns - Friday at 5 p.m. PT on Prime Video.

Phuoc and Melina break down the Portland Thorns opening day upset at Audi Field versus Washington Spirit, and preview the massive Cascadia matchup against Seattle Reign.

The duo...

The NWSL is back and kicking it off are the Portland Thorns and the Washington Spirit at Audi Field on Friday at 5 p.m. PST (Prime Video).

To preview the Portland Thorns' 2026 season, we are joined by Expected Own Goals' (xOG) Evan Davis and Eric Morgan - two of the absolute best for women's soccer coverage.

The xOG duo are brilliant and primarily focus on tactics and analytics in their coverage.

Without further ado... The episode you've all been waiting for.

Episode Summary: Phuoc, Evan, and Eric discuss the Portland Thorns' 2026...

According to ESPN's Jeff Kassouf, the Portland Thorns have hired former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Robert Vilahamn.

The Rose City Breakdown's Phuoc Nguyen and Melina Gaspar discuss the hire, the timing, and how Jeff Agoos failed his first true test as GM. The duo also provides a grade for the hire and a full assessment of why it doesn't meet the standards at the moment.

- Introductions

- Was the offseason a failure?

- Has ownership done enough or are they falling behind?

- Where is the head coaching search at? Without a hire in place, is this a massive concern heading into the season?

- Does a direct replacement at defensive for Sam Coffey take precedent as the biggest need?

- CB ignored in the offseason

- Preseason opener starts off with many issues from 2025

- Injury updates