Portland Thorns v Angel City live on ESPN 2: Jenn Hildreth and Lianne Sanderson on commentary for NWSL showdown

Match date: 17 May 2026

Portland Thorns take on Angel City in a key National Women's Soccer League clash this evening, with British viewers able to follow the action through the live broadcast and digital coverage details provided by the rights-holders. In the United States, the match is being shown on ESPN 2 and the ESPN App via ESPN Unlimited, while local audio options include KNRK-DT 2 and iHeart Radio. For fans searching for who is calling the game, the main television commentary team is Jenn Hildreth alongside former England international Lianne Sanderson.

The fixture is being staged at Providence Park in Portland, where the Thorns have once again established themselves as one of the NWSL's most formidable home sides. For UK audiences used to seeing top-tier women's football on BBC, ITV, Sky Sports or TNT Sports, this is another example of how the women's game has expanded well beyond traditional domestic coverage, with major US platforms now carrying elite league football to a global audience.

Jenn Hildreth is one of the most recognisable voices in women's football across the United States. A long-time broadcaster for ESPN and a familiar presence in the NWSL, she has built a reputation for clear, energetic commentary and strong matchday analysis. Her work on women's football has also extended to college and international competitions, making her a trusted figure for viewers following the fast-growing North American game.

Her co-commentator, Lianne Sanderson, brings a very different but equally valuable background to the microphone. The former striker enjoyed spells with clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus and FC Barcelona, and also earned caps for England. Since moving into broadcasting, Sanderson has become a familiar pundit and commentator on women's football, offering frank tactical insight based on a career spent at the highest level. Her experience as a forward means she is often particularly sharp when discussing movement, pressing and finishing.

On the radio side, Isaac Lowenkron is leading coverage for iHeart Radio with Tracey Bailey alongside him, while Lily Crane and Angela Harrison are the names attached to KNRK-DT 2. That gives supporters multiple ways to stay connected to a match that could have a significant bearing on the early-season standings.

Portland enter the game in strong form and with the confidence that comes from a squad capable of controlling possession and creating chances in waves. Much of the attention naturally falls on Olivia Moultrie, one of the league's brightest young talents, while Sophia Wilson remains a headline name whenever she is available after her return from maternity leave. Angel City, meanwhile, continue to bring star power and competitive edge of their own, and they will be keen to cause an upset in one of the league's most difficult away fixtures.

Supporters looking for more official match information can follow the NWSL's own game centre at the NWSL match centre, which provides line-ups, live stats and play-by-play updates. For viewers in the United States, the combination of TV, streaming and radio coverage means the game is easy to access whichever platform they prefer.

With Jenn Hildreth and Lianne Sanderson on commentary, this is a broadcast built to appeal both to committed NWSL followers and to newer fans drawn in by the quality of the football and the strength of the personalities covering it. Portland's atmosphere, Angel City's ambition and the growing profile of the league should combine to make this one of the more compelling fixtures of the weekend.

Article generated: 17 May 2026, 23:01 GMT