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 capture all types of stories and invoke all sorts of emotions. What to expect? Phuoc Nguyen: Lead host providing key information and updates Melina Gaspar: Lead analytics and tactical mastermind Lily Crane: Lead voice, reporter, and commentator If you see our logo, it is created by the one and only Jacob Stevens , who also created the latest Stumptown Footy logo. And once again, delivers another masterpiece.
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.
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 Sarama, and 2026 season predictions.
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 matchups, and what to expect in this game. Support Trebor Tracy! Angels on Parade - angelsonparade.com Bluesky - trebtracy.bsky.social
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 to listen to their wonderful podcast! https://www.lionspitch.com/podcast-archive/
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 matchups that will determine the game, and much more. You can get all episodes of The Rose City Breakdown on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, RSS, and everywhere you find podcasts.
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 discuss the impact of Jessie Fleming, M.A. Vignola, and Reyna Reyes. Also, give praise to Sarah Lowdon's work during the offseason and preseason to get the team ready. In Robert Vilahamn's debut nothing was going to stop him for being there for his time either, that's class and a powerful first impression, that will leave a lasting memory for many folks. And finally, our new segment... Melina's Corner is finally out where she shows clips to analyze tactics and key metrics for every match. *For those listening it to on Audio, please go see it on YouTube for full film breakdown and clips she uses. Who's our guest this week on the podcast? To preview the PNW clash, Sounder at Heart's Steve Voght joins us to preview the matchup. In our discussion, he breaks down the Reign's opening 2-1 road win over Orlando Pride, who will step up in the goalscoring department, underrated players to watch out for, what type of game to expect, and the key matchups that will determine the outcome of the derby.
