The Rose City Breakdown

Phuoc Nguyen and Melina Gaspar
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Sports News

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 updatesMelina Gaspar: Lead analytics and tactical mastermindLily Crane: Lead voice, reporter, and commentatorIf 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.

  1. Oct 1

    Portland Thorns have ANOTHER PROBLEM, Boston Legacy Match Preview, & Reviewing Portland Fire Season Review

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! In the latest, USWNT roster, forward Pietra Tordin was named to her first ever senior team camp - a more than deserved honor for the rising and blossoming star. On this podcast, co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss the Portland Thorns' latest problem: home form - only two points in the last three games at Providence Park. The duo also discuss the team's struggles against the low block, issues in final third, and decision-making causing much of it. How high is the ceiling for PTFC? They debate how far this team can realistically go and what is the bare expectations truly are. In our Boston Legacy preview, Jackie Contreras of the Blazing Musket joins us to preview the matchup. Could the two sides combine for another seven-goal thriller? Lastly, Matt Bagley of Sports Illustrated and Portland Supporter shares his thoughts on the historic 2026 Portland Fire season and how the team can take its next leap. Could Alex Sarama and Vanja Černivec make a big jump in their second season? Can Iyana Martín and Carla Leite co-exist in the the backcourt? And more WNBA talk in our lookahead to 2027.

  2. Sep 23

    Time for the Thorns to go all in?! Morgan Weaver is back and Nina Nijstad opens her NWSL goal account

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! Podcast co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar recap the Portland Thorns 4-1 road win at Orlando Pride where they conquered many downward trends including: holding leads, conceding late, and open play goals. Head Coach Robert Vilahamn also addressed the trends, bravery, and getting accustomed to the expectations of PTFC. He has been consistent and open with the media throughout his first season and that continued here. Morgan Weaver scored for the first time in 687 days (November 1, 2024), but how underrated is she as a leader? The duo discuss the team meeting she set and getting her confidence back. Midfielder Nina Nijstad continues to blossom and finally registered her first NWSL goal. A special moment for the Netherlands international who has been open about the difficulty being so far away from home. The coaches have raved about her since her arrival in the Rose City and she continues to flourish in midfield. What makes her a seamless fit? We share our thoughts on her ascension and growth alongside Jessie Fleming. USWNT superstar Sophia Wilson continues to come up big-time in attack and chipped with three goal contributions. Although she still hasn't found the goal in the run of play, Wilson has found other ways to be a playmaker. After an early yellow card, Jayden Perry managed to stay in the match and with Carolyn Calzada in tandem, they defended Barbra Banda and the rest of the attack quite well. Under interim head coach Yolanda Thomas, Orlando were particularly sharp towards the end of the first half and at the start of the second half, but the team seemed to run out of steam towards the end. Nonetheless, it was a performance that PTFC desperately needed, ending a three-match winless streak and defeating many other recent road bumps on the way. We also preview the Houston Dash and why the team cannot suffer another letdown similar to Chicago Stars. With Portland back in the top four, is it time for President of Soccer Operations and General Manger Jeff Agoos to push all his chips in the middle and go all-in? If they want to host a home playoff match... Full Episode 0:00 Intro 1:20 Match Recap 10:44 Morgan Weaver's leadership, confidence, and goal 14:34 Credit to Head Coach Robert Vilahamn 15:09 Nina Nijstad's impact and blossoming stardom 18:29 Does Jeff Agoos need to be active ahead of roster freeze? 24:14 Houston Dash match preview 27:27 Melina's Corner: film review 38:31 Thank You!

  3. Sep 16

    Five NWSL Trade/Loan Targets, Portland Thorns exposed in draw vs Chicago Stars, & Orlando Pride preview

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! Co-hosts, Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss the Portland Thorns' 'inexcusable' draw versus Chicago Stars at Providence Park, potential NWSL trade and loan targets, and previews the next match. In Melina's Corner, she does a film review that encapsulates the issues that PTFC face in attack, especially in the final third. Should Caiya Hanks be inserted in the starting lineup for Morgan Weaver, and what's missing from Sophia Wilson, Pietra Tordin, and Reilyn Turner the past few weeks. Also, the defensive issues that continue to be the theme of the season... They've dropped 21 points from winning positions, allowed 11 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches, and haven't scored an open-play goal in over three games. With the roster freeze set to take place on October 8, could the club be looking at making an addition? Outside of Sam Staab of Chicago Stars, Taylor Flint of Racing Louisville, who else could the Jeff Agoos and Robert Vilahamn be looking at? Coming off a deflating draw, can they rebound against superstar Barbra Banda coming off an extension and the new-look Orlando Pride led by interim head coach Yolanda Thomas? The Portland Thorns 1-1 draw vs Chicago Stars | 1:20 Potential National Women's Soccer League Trade and Loan targets | 17:34 Melina's Corner | 27:50 Orlando Pride Preview | 38:50 Final Thoughts | 44:50

  4. Sep 9

    Nina Nijstad Interview, Portland Thorns potentially making addition via NWSL trade/loan?, Providence Park home unbeaten streak comes to an end at 13 games vs Washington Spirit

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! After opening up the scoring on a penalty kick from Sophia Wilson, the Portland Thorns once again could not hold the 1-0 lead. The home side came out on the front foot and dominated the first half before the nightmare in the second half. They fell 1-2 at Providence Park to Washington Spirit who stormed back in the second half with two goals - ending a 13 home unbeaten streak. The dynamic duo of Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar take a deep-dive on the game and discuss it all including the infamous non-call on the handball from Tara Rudd and PRO (Professional Referee Organization) response. In Melina's corner she dives into lingering defensive concerns, Jessie Fleming's (19 defensive actions, 9 duels won, 91% passing accuracy) masterclass, Nina Nijstad's improvement, and much more. Head coach Robert Vilahamn addressed the media and discussed the transfer window. Could the club be looking to make an addition ahead of the playoffs? Definitely a possibility, but the NWSL as the priority. INTERVIEW: Nina Nijstad has taken the league by storm and has flourished in midfield for PTFC. We had an opportunity to sit down with her and discuss making the move from the Netherlands all the way to the United States and the National Women's Soccer League. She also opens up with how hard the move has been being away from family and friends for so long.

  5. Sep 3

    TRANSFER WINDOW, the bench, Jessie Flemings heroics, backline shape, and the Pietra Tordin “Conundrum”

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss all things Portland Thorns. - Match recap of Portland Thorns' 1-1 draw at Gotham FC - Defensive shape improvements - Bench issues? Robert Vilahamn has only used four total subs the past two matches - Zero minutes for Reyna Reyes, Reilyn Turner, and Marie Müller - Concerns key players could be leaving soon? - The Pietra Tordin 'Conundrum' - Is her versatility helping or hurting her/team? - Melina's Corner: Jessie Fleming masterclass and a lot of positives from M.A. Vignola, Carolyn Calzada and the backline - Washington Spirit preview - Transfer Window's major priority and what to expect

  6. Aug 27

    Where is Reyna Reyes? Thorns’ 1-0 win over Orlando, Gotham FC match preview, and more!

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! In the first half of the episode, Phuoc and Melina discuss the following: - Match recap of Portland Thorns' 1-0 win over Orlando Pride - Postgame comments from Robert Vilahamn and Nick Cushing - The identity of PTFC: Counterattacking Football - Where the heck is Reyna Reyes? Why her absence doesn't make any sense even after hearing the initial responses - Updates on Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver, Marie Müller, and Isa Obaze - Melina's Corner featuring a masterclass from Jessie Fleming, Pietra Tordin, and major improvements from Nina Nijstad. In the final half, Anumita Jain of All For XI and The IX joins us to preview the Gotham FC super-clash. - How has Gotham been so dominant? - Is there a concern about their future with the amount of young players being sent away for veterans? - Is the 2-2 result in the first matchup a precursor to this matchup? - One player from backline, midfield, and frontline to watch - What metrics/stats will determine the outcome of this game? - Does Portland having Caiya Hanks and Morgan Weaver back make this a more even affair?

  7. Aug 20

    Caiya Hanks’ Dream Return, Deyna Castellanos absolute GOLAZO, and Denver Summit Preview

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown. The Portland Thorns are coming off a thrilling 2-1 win over Orlando Pride including a GOLAZO from Deyna Castellanos and the epic return from Caiya Hanks with her 96th minute game-winner. Co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar cover it all including: - Match Recap - Why the three points picked up aren't exactly a recipe for success, especially if you look at the statistics and metrics - Sam Hiatt and Reyna Reyes omissions and what it means moving forward - Meghan Klingenberg honored and Tobin Heath is next - Melina's Corner with a lot of defensive issues still remaining - What to do about the 10 position moving forward? - Denver Summit FC match preview

  8. Aug 13

    Olivia Moultrie Out for the Rest of the Season, Thorns’ 4-3 Win over Boston, and a Reality Check

    Welcome back to the Rose City Breakdown! On this episode, co-hosts Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) and Melina Gaspar discuss it all: - USWNT midfielder Olivia Moultrie's heartbreaking ACL injury - What options the team has in her absence - The good, bad, and the ugly in 4-3 win over Boston Legacy - The defensive issues and why it won't be going away anytime soon - Does Robert Vilahamn deserve more resources from the front office? - Why President/GM Jeff Agoos deserves credit for the frontline, but also needs to take responsibility for the state of the backline - A potential formation change with a new role for Reyna Reyes - Orlando Pride matchup preview with some problematic stats for PTFC BONUS: Melina shows off her Spider-Man: Brand New Day pin

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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 updatesMelina Gaspar: Lead analytics and tactical mastermindLily Crane: Lead voice, reporter, and commentatorIf 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Phuoc Nguyen and Melina Gaspar
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cascadia FC 2023
  • Show Website
    The Rose City Breakdown

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