The Portland Thorns took down the Seattle Reign 4-2 on Sunday, extending their home unbeaten streak as they set a new record.

Seattle came out of the league-wide pause on a high, beating Angel City, 2-0, at home last Friday. It extends a solid stretch of play for the Pacific Northwest rivals, as the Reign have scored points in four consecutive matches, picking up three wins over that span.

The National Women's Soccer League is launching its first rivalry weekend, highlighted by the league's oldest inter-city feud: the shining city of Portland vs. our dim cousin to the north, Seattle. Why it matters: Rivalries are proving to be a powerful force in growing audience and fan engagement in women's sports — just ask the WNBA.