Portland to host championship

The National Women’s Soccer League announced it will host its championship game at the stadium where it consistently draws the biggest crowds.

Providence Park, home of the Portland Thorns, will host the NWSL Championship on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will air nationally on Lifetime.

“It is tribute to the amazing atmosphere created by the Portland Thorns FC and their supporters at Providence Park that the 2018 NWSL Championship will be back in the Rose City,” NWSL managing director Amanda Duffy said in a news release. “Providence Park is one of the most historic venues in the country and Portland is a city that boasts one of the most vibrant soccer scenes in America, making it a wonderful place to celebrate the culmination of the 2018 season.”

Providence Park has hosted three NWSL playoff games, drawing the largest crowd for an NWSL championship match in league history (13,264) during the 2015 season.

The Thorns have led the NWSL in attendance in each of the league’s first five seasons.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the NWSL Championship once again this season,” said Mike Golub, president of business for Thorns FC. “As was the case in 2015, Providence Park will be a terrific setting for the league’s signature event.”

The Thorns will look to snap the NWSL championship host city curse.

The team hosting the championship has never won the title during the NWSL’s first five seasons.

NWSL Championship tickets go on sale Thursday, June 7, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans will be able to purchase tickets by calling 888-736-6849 or visiting thornsfc.com. A block of tickets will be set aside and can later be purchased by fans of teams that eventually advance to the championship.