Three games lie ahead for the Portland Thorns to round out their preseason development as the Challenge Cup awaits. Portland will play two NWSL teams, along with the U.S. U-23 women’s national team, working their way to fitness in time for a March 18 opener against OL Reign in Seattle.

After training Thursday, first-year Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson and midfielder Rocky Rodríguez spoke about the tournament and what it will mean for the team going forward.

“I think all the coaches I’ve been talking to coming to the preseason tournament say it’s just a good opportunity to get match fitness,” Wilkinson said. “I think that’s really important. I think it’s also to test what we’ve been doing and where the team is at against quality opposition. It’s a good opportunity to grow as a team but also see where we’re at.”

Portland will play OL Reign on Saturday, the U-23 team on Tuesday and the Chicago Red Stars — the team that eliminated them from the NWSL playoffs last year — on March 11. All games will be played at Providence Park but won’t be streamed online. Tickets are free for season-ticket holders and remain on sale on the Thorns’ website.

“There’s no comparison to being tested against other NWSL opposition and the U-23s,” Wilkinson said. “I think you can play the academy teams or bring in local teams here, but there’s nothing like playing other teams from the league to measure ourselves and for the players to gain confidence and see areas where we can grow and push starting the season.”

The Thorns have worked throughout the preseason to improve their fitness and adjust to Wilkinson’s new system, an adjustment that Rodríguez admitted can be “frustrating” at times. But the joy in the locker room and chemistry carried over from last season has aided the club as it looks to maintain success.

The team took a trip to Bend for part of its preseason training, and that proved a bonding experience, Rodríguez said.

“We have been putting some work in on the culture for the team, because we think that’s something that is absolutely fundamental for our success, especially in the long run,” Rodríguez said. “On the field, that’s what preseason is for and that is what we’ve been focused on. We want to take advantage of those games so that hopefully we can do good things this season.”

Wilkinson said the Thorns have a handful of small injuries they need to get past, along with other players who’ve missed time and are still getting back their fitness. Portland will use its preseason openers to continue elevating in that regard and fine-tuning what they’ve been working on for weeks, but Wilkinson said the culture this team has in place provides a significant foundation.

“This is a really special group of people,” Wilkinson said. “The locker room is something I really want to maintain. Mark (Parsons) and his staff last season did a wonderful job making sure this is a connected group. It’s part of my mandate to keep that going this season. They really seem connected and enjoy playing together, and I think anyone who gets the privilege of watching them train sees they love pushing themselves and learning new things.”