The Rose City Breakdown
2026 is truly a momentous year for women's sports in the Rose City.2026 also marks the first year where the state and city will have three professional women’s sports teams: Portland Thorns (NWSL), Portland Fire (WNBA), and Portland Cascade (AUSL).The Rose City Breakdown is a Cascadia FC and Stumptown Footy collaboration.This new podcast comes with one simple premise:We want to highlight women's sports in Portland, giving teams a safe platform and the coverage they deserve.Each episode will have something for everyone, whether you want high level discussions, deeper dive into analytics, tactical breakdowns, or interviews that ca...
Portland Thorns’ Reality Check With The Guys From Expected Own Goals and Boston Legacy Match Preview with Jackie Contreras of The Blazing Musket
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.
Draw vs Gotham FC, The Return of Morgan Weaver, and Utah Royals Match Preview
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.
Portland Thorns’ Road Woes Continue and Gotham FC Match Preview with Anumita Jain
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.
Fleming and Turnid Contract Extensions and Denver Summit FC Preview with Matt Pollard
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.
Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign Cascadia Derby & Nina Nijstad signs
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.
Thorns’ Summer Targets and Top Priorities
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.
The Rose City Breakdown | Portland Thorns Midseason Report Card
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.
Portland Thorns’ Top of the Table Clash Preview with Royal Riot and KC Current Loss Film Review
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?
<...Portland Thorns at KC Current Match Preview with Thad Bell and Review of 2-0 Win over Bay FC
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!
Bay FC preview with Sara Ach & film review of Portland Thorns/ACFC 0-0 tie
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!
Portland Thorns vs Angel City Match Preview and Breaking Down the 1-3 Loss at Racing Louisville
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...
Portland Thorns at Racing Louisville Match Preview with Butchertown Rundown
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...
Portland Thorns’ Winning Streak and Portland Fire’s Season Opener
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...
Portland Thorns best Angel City and Thorns vs San Diego Wave Preview
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...
Portland Thorns early season takeaways and Portland Fire season preview
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...
Portland Thorns vs. Angel City FC Match Preview with Trebor Tracy of Angel's on Parade
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...
Portland Thorns Down KC and NC Courage Match Preview
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...
Post Match Reaction to 1-3 loss + KC Current Match Preview!
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.
Craziest Derby Ever?! Plus Portland Thorns at San Diego Wave Preview
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...
Derby Day Magic: Thorns take the Crown
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
Cascadia Derby Day Preview with Steve Voght from Sounder At Heart!
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...
2026 Portland Thorns season preview with Expected Own Goals' (xOG) Evan Davis and Eric Morgan
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...
Emergency Pod: Portland Thorns’ New Coach?!
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.
Welcome to The Rose City Breakdown!
- 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
