Thorns FC travel to Angel City FC in UKG Challenge Cup

Portland Thorns FC hit the road for their final two UKG Challenge Cup group stage matches. First-up is a date with Angel City FC in Los Angeles. Kickoff from BMO Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. (PT).

Portland vaulted into second place in the West Division following their 4-1 win over San Diego at home last Friday night, reaching a 2-2-0 record (6pts). Angel City FC (1-2-1, 4pts) is in third in the division, currently on the outside-looking-in on the next phase of the Challenge Cup.

The top finisher in each of the three divisions advances to the Challenge Cup semifinal, and will be joined by one division runner-up across the league with the most points.

Here are facts to know as the Thorns head to SoCal:

Morgan Weaver and Bella Bixby hold the latest goals scored for Portland in both NWSL and Challenge Cup play with dramatic finishes in the 93rd and 97th minute, respectively. Both goals came against Angel City FC - Weaver in a 3-2 win Challenge Cup win and Bixby in a 3-3 regular-season matchup.

With a surge in minutes during the World Cup, Thorns' third-year forward Hannah Betfort is making the most of her time on the field. With a brace in last Friday's win over San Diego, Betfort, who wears No. 33, has three goals in her last two matches.

Whenever Portland and ACFC cross paths, goals are sure to come. The Thorns have found the back of the net three times over 90 minutes in four of the six matches between the two. Overall, Portland holds a 3-1-2 record against Angel City.

Two of the league leaders in assists during the 2023 Challenge Cup will meet at BMO Stadium. Angel City's Scarlett Camberos and Thorns' Meghan Klingenberg are in a battle for the top assists spot, and Saturday night they get the opportunity to add to their total.