Emily Menges had the captain's armband last Saturday night when the Portland Thorns took on Sky Blue FC at Providence Park.

She wore it well. The Thorns defeated Sky Blue 2-1 in a come-from-behind confidence-building win that extended Portland's win streak to 12 games.

Menges is in esteemed company as Portland's captain. She joins Christine Sinclair, Tobin Heath and Allie Long as Thorns who have worn the armband.

"It's a huge honor," Menges said after a recent practice. "Especially coming from Sinc (Sinclair) and Tobin and Allie. ... It's great to know that I'm somebody on this team that people can look up to and kind of lead the back line."

Menges has been a leader, and her sharp focus has helped the Thorns become the best defensive team in the National Women's Soccer League.

The Thorns have allowed only seven goals this season (tied with the Seattle Reign), they've yielded no more than a single goal in any game. They've given up just three goals in the last six matches, posting three clean sheets in that span.

Menges, who started every game so far this season, has played a big role along that stingy back line.

"Her mindset has been great," Thorns coach Mark Parsons said. "I think she's been very focused on taking care of the defensive details.

"What you've seen is Menges probably having the best season she's (ever) had."

And she'll need to keep it up.

The Thorns are in the early part of a stretch of games where they're going without their stars as players have been called up to their respective national teams ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Portland won last Saturday without Heath, Long, Meghan Klingenberg, Emily Sonnett and Lindsey Horan, called up to the U.S. Women's National Team, along with Sinclair, who plays for Canada.

Amandine Henry played against Sky Blue FC, but has since left to join the French national team.

Parsons said he was encouraged with the way the players who remain with the team responded by grinding out the win.

"It was a huge result," Parsons said.

Up next is FC Kansas City (2-5-4, 10 points), who come to Providence Park Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. match. FCKC are coming off a 2-0 loss against the Washington Spirit.

"Kansas City are at their best when they have a disappointing performance," Parsons said. "We've got to be better. We've got to tidy up and improve things and be ready."

-- Molly Blue