With Franch Back, Thorns Top the Challenge Cup Standings

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch missed the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup tournament last summer in a bubble in Utah because of a knee injury. She also missed the league’s fall series back in local markets last fall. She’s back this year, playing in a preseason version of the Challenge Cup for the Thorns, who face Cascadia rival OL Reign on Wednesday night. The Thorns won the first two matches of the tournament.