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John Rustik

Taylor Porter
Portland Thorns

Thorns FC sign midfielder Taylor Porter

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

With the Thorns opening up the NWSL Challenge Cup tonight against OL Reign, the Thorns announced one more signing before Portland takes the field tonight. Midfielder Taylor Porter signed to a one-year contract with an option year.

Before this one year contract, Porter was a National Team Replacement player that joined Portland in July of 2021. She made her first appearance with the club when the Thorns took on Orlando in August of 2021. Throughout the 2022 Preseason Tournament, she made two appearances (one start) for the Thorns.

“Porter has been a stalwart of this team since last summer, and we’re really happy to have her back and signed as a Portland Thorn,” manager Rhian Wilkinson said. “Her energy and understanding of the game on the field has been great to watch, and how easily and well she integrates off of the field is highly appreciated and valued.”

The 24-year-old arrives in the Rose City after playing in Europe. She represented UDG Tenerife Egatesa in the first division of the Spanish league. She also competed in Serbia for ZFK Spartak Subotica in Serbia. While with this club, she made appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Graduating from North Carolina State, she made 85 career starts throughout her collegiate career. She contributed six goals and five assists to what was an incredible career with the Wolfpack. She helped lead the Wolfpack to three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances from 2016-2018.

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Portland Thorns
Portland Thorns

Thorns release 2022 regular season schedule

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

After what felt like an eternity, the Portland Thorns have finally released their schedule for the upcoming 2022 season. The 22-game season will be the tenth season the Thorns have competed in as they participated in the inaugural NWSL season in 2013.

With the NWSL expanding to 12 teams this season with the addition of Angel City FC and San Diego, the Thorns will play 11 games at home and 11 games on the road. They play all teams twice.

Here are some of the notable matches they have:

Portland will open their season at home on April 30 against Kansas City.

The following weekend will mark their first road trip of the season against North Carolina.

They will match up against current NWSL champion Washington on May 18 and August 10.

The Thorns clash with OL Reign on May 13 and July 10.

The first NWSL regular season meeting between Angel City FC and Thorns FC will take place on June 3. The first match between Portland and San Diego will take place later on in the season on June 8.

Here’s a full breakdown of the schedule:

Home Games by days of the week: Wednesday (2), Friday (3), Saturday (4), Sunday (2)

Road Games by days of the week: Wednesday (2), Friday (3), Saturday (3), Sunday (3)

The top six teams from the regular season will be featured in the NWSL playoffs, which is set to start on October 16. The top two teams will get a bye while the other four play an opening round. The tenth overall season will conclude on October 19 in the NWSL Championship. With the Thorns producing another strong team, it wouldn’t at all be shocking to see the Thorns battling late into the post season.

Most of the games will be on CBS networks. They will also be streamable on Paramount+ and occasionally available on Twitch, as Twitch broadcasts various games throughout the league during the season.

You can get a full look at the schedule here.

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Sophia Smith
Portland Thorns

Thorns re-sign Sophia Smith

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

Sophia Smith’s young career will continue to blossom in Portland as she agreed to a three-year contract extension. The extension guarantees the 21-year-old forward will remain in the Rose City through the 2024 season.

“Soph has been wonderful to get to know,” Thorns FC head coach Rhian Wilkinson said. “She is a young player who already has a good level of experience in the league, and that experience has given her a new level of confidence going forward into this new season.”

In just two years, Smith has established herself for Portland. In her 31 appearances (24 starts), she has racked up eight goals and an assist. Smith, a Stanford alum, was the first teenager to be drafted in NWSL history at the age of 19.  Her performances in college led her to be the first pick in the 2020 NWSL draft.

“What she brings to the game on the field is an ability to score goals, but she also adds much more,” Thorns FC GM Karina LeBlanc said. “It is what she brings to our team culture, the community, who she is as a person, that is what we want from a Thorns player. In looking at the team now, but also into the future, keeping her in Portland was a top priority.”

Smith has also represented the U.S. Women’s National Team. In 2022, she played in all three matches of the SheBelieves Cup, helping the U.S. to an impressive 2-0-1 record. In her 13 appearances with the USWNT, she has had one goal and three assists.

With Smith remaining in Portland for the foreseeable future, the Thorns have continued to construct a team that will have success for years to come.

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Portland Thorns training
Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

Portland Thorns Preseason Roster Update

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

With the Portland Thorns just days from preseason, the team released their first official preseason roster. Here is the team Thorns manager Karina Leblanc will start 2022 with.

Goalkeepers (3): Bella Bixby, Shelby Hogan, Abby Smith

Defenders (7): Keilli Hubly, Meghan Klingenberg, Natalia Kuikka (INTL), Emily Menges, Meaghan Nally, Madison Pogarch, Becky Sauerbrunn

Midfielders (7): Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Olivia Moultrie, Gabby Provenzano, Rocky RodrĂ­guez, Yazmeen Ryan, Hina Sugita (INTL)

Forwards (6): Natalie Beckman, Hannah Betfort, Marissa Everett, Christine Sinclair, Sophia Smith, Morgan Weaver

Roster Notes:

Goalkeeper Bella Bixby agreed to a three-year new contract this offseason. After starting 16 games last season, her ability to keep the opponent off the scoreboard will be incredibly valuable.

2022 NWSL Draft picks Natalie Beckman and Gabby Provenzano remain with the team for the 2022 campaign.

After joining the Thorns earlier in the offseason, Hina Sugita joined the team officially this past weekend. She is now training with the club.

Sugita and Natalia Kuikka will be the two international players for Portland this season.

16-year-old Olivia Moultrie started two of three games for the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team in the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship. Despite being the youngest player on the team, she managed to bag the first goal against Nicaragua in a 6-0 thumping. The U.S. faces Suriname this Friday at noon.

The Thorns are less than a week away from their first preseason match. Portland is host to a preseason tournament including the Thorns, OL Reign, the USWNT U-23 team and the Chicago Stars. The Thorns start off their tournament play against OL Reign on Saturday, March 5.

 

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Lindsey Horan
Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

Portland extends Sinclair, Says Goodbye to Horan (For Now)

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

It’s been a busy week for the Thorns. Just on Thursday, Portland has announced the extension of Christine Sinclair as well as the (temporary) departure of Lindsey Horan. Here’s everything from those two moves.

Lindsey Horan to Leave the Thorns on Loan to French Side Olympique Lyonnais

Horan’s departure is one that will be brutal for fans. Her six years with the Thorns have been extraordinary. She scored the lone goal in their 2017 NWSL Championship victory over the North Carolina Courage. Throughout her career, she was named the NWSL MVP (2018), NWSL Best XI (2018, 2019) and MLS Best XI Second Team (2017, 2021).

She leaves for Olympique Lyonnais after scoring 25 goals for the Thorns, and adding nine assists.

Her move to France will be the second time Horan plays in the Division 1 FĂ©minine. Before joining the Thorns, she played four seasons with Paris Saint-Germain.

“Firstly, I want to thank the Portland organization for supporting me in following a few of my career aspirations, this would not be possible without the club and for that I am forever grateful!” Horan said on Twitter. “I wish the team and my teammates nothing but the best this season!”

Horan’s impact reached further than just Portland. For the United States, she has made 108 caps. Within those 108 appearances, comes 25 goals and 34 assists. Most recently, she was voted as the 2021 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

Though she will be with Olympique Lyonnais until June of 2023, she did sign a contract extension with the Thorns through 2025. While she is gone for now, there will be a party in Portland when she returns.

Christine Sinclair Extended

The good news came when Thorns legend Christine Sinclair reached an agreement with the club to keep her in the Rose City through 2022. There is an option for the 2023 season.

This was good news that many hoped for. Sinclair’s legacy in Portland speaks for itself. The Canadian forward leads the Thorns in all-time games played (143), games started (140), minutes played (12,404) and goals (54). Throughout her nine previous seasons with the club, she has helped the Thorns earn plenty of hardware. This includes two NWSL Championships (2013, 2017), the NWSL Fall Series (2020), the NWSL Challenge Cup (2021), the Women’s International Champions Cup (2021) and two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021).

“Sinclair is a player who has proudly represented the Thorns organization since day one of the NWSL,” Thorns Head Coach Rhian Wilkinson said. “Her ability to maintain the very top professional standard for as long as she has, her understanding of the game, her finishing ability, and her leadership make her a player we could not be prouder to have represent us.”

Sinclair has scored 31 goals in 62 appearances for her country. More recently, Sinclair led Canada to win the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including a goal in their opening match against Japan.

 

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Boureille
Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

ICYMI: Celeste Boureille to leave the Thorns

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

Earlier Wednesday morning midfielder Celeste Boureille informed the Thorns that she would not be returning for the 2022 season. The 27-year-old was out of contract and will not be renewing another deal to remain in Portland. While her new club has yet to be determined, she will be continuing her career at an undetermined European-based club.

“My time as a Thorn has been an amazing rewarding experience and I have loved every second of it,” Boureille said on Twitter on Monday. “Thank you to the entire Portland organization for giving me this unforgettable opportunity since day one as a pro. With that being said, it’s time to explore a new part of the world.”

Boureille has been a member of the Thorns club since 2016.  She made 66 appearances with the team and 50 starts. Throughout her career, she helped Portland win the NWSL Championship in 2017. She also contributed to winning the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

With Boureille leaving the club, it has left a spot for Hina Sugita to make an impact. Sugita, who was signed by the Thorns Wednesday afternoon, will be looking to make her impact for the 2022 season.

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Hina Sugita
Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

Thorns sign midfielder Sugita Hina

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

The Portland Thorns have signed Hina Sugita to a three-year contract. On Wednesday, the Thorns twitter officially welcomed the Japanese midfielder to the Rose City. The Thorns signed her with allocation money. Pending her P-1 visa and International Transfer certificate, she will join the Thorns for the 2022 season.

Prior to the Thorns acquisition, Sugita played with INAC Kobe Leonessa. Over the seven years she spent with her previous club, she tallied ten goals in 57 appearances. She was included in the Best XI in 2019. In her time with INAC Kobe Leonessa, she helped to win the Empress Cup twice (2015, 2016) and finished in second in the Nadeshiko League Division I in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020. This season, she has made nine appearances and scored one goal.

For her country, she has earned 27 caps and has scored two goals. She has represented Japan in various competitions including; the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2016 U-20 Women’s World Cup. In the 2016 tournament, she received the Golden Ball as the most valuable player.

At 24 years old, she will bring more quality and depth to the Thorns midfield.

“Hina is a playmaker with the ability to play across multiple positions,” Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson said. “She plays with bravery on the ball always looking for opportunities to be dangerous. She sees passes others do not see. Her on-field vision, creativity, and ball control are traits that allow her to find a way out of tight positions to break open opposing teams.”

 

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Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

Kelli Hubly to re-sign with the Portland Thorns

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

The Thorns made another contract move on Thursday morning when they announced that Kelli Hubly would re-sign with the team. The Portland defender has signed a two year contract to remain with the Thorns.

Hubly is entering her sixth season with Portland. She has made 49 appearances for the club and 36 starts. In 2021, she made 18 appearances and 12 starts with the best defensive unit in the NWSL. With her new contract secured it is likely that she will be here until the 2024 season.

“We are pleased to re-sign Kelli. She is a player who has shown tremendous growth during her time in Portland, exhibiting a strong work ethic and commitment to the club,” Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc said. “She has played an integral role in not only our success on the field but helping to establish a strong foundation off the field.”

Originally a fullback, Hubly shifted to become a center back and found success doing so. Her ability to make that difficult change is what got the attention of first-year Thorns head coach Rhian Wilkinson.

“Kelli’s speed, athleticism and ability to read the field are key attributes that allow her to play multiple positions across different tactical plans, and I’m thrilled to be working with her,” Wilkinson said. “She has established herself as an exceptional teammate and someone who brings a lot to the group off the field.”

 

 

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Smith and Horan USWNT
Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

Three Thorns called up to U.S. Women’s National Team January training camp

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

Over the past three days, a trio of Thorns players have been called up to represent the U.S. Women’s National Team for the January training camp taking place in Austin, Texas.

On Wednesday, the Thorns twitter announced that veteran midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Sophia Smith were named to the 25-player roster to take part in the USWNT training camp that will span from Jan. 19-28.

The following day, the Thorns added that forward Morgan Weaver would also be joining her two teammates.

The three players bring various levels of experience within the USWNT. Horan leads the three with 108 caps. Smith has made 10 appearances and Weaver has played for country twice.

While there won’t be any friendlies played during this training camp, it’s a great sign to see three players get the recognition that they deserve.

The USWNT will make their 2022 debut in the SheBelieves Cup, facing off against the Czech Republic, New Zealand and Iceland. The SheBelieves Cup will start on Feb. 17.

 

 

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Nasello playing at USF
Portland ThornsPortland Thorns

In Case You Missed it: Portland Thorns 2022 Draft Recap

by John Rustik
written by John Rustik

The 2021 NWSL Draft involved a couple draft picks from the Portland Thorns. Here’s a look at who they got and what they can bring to the team.

Nasello playing at USF

Sydny Nasello spent four years at the University of South Florida (Photo from Brian Westerholt / Sports On Film)

Sydny Nasello: Forward (2nd Round, 13th Pick Overall)

Picked first in the second round was Sydny Nasello from South Florida. She was named to the AAC all-conference first team and earned AAC Offensive Player of the Year. She scored 11 goals in 19 appearances and added five assists. 

However, Nasello’s arrival in Stumptown didn’t come without controversy. Numerous tweets resurfaced containing anti-LGBTQ messages from her twitter account. She has since apologized, but the damage between her and the Thorns community had already been done.

On Friday evening, Meg Linehan reported that Nasello would not be on the Thorns roster ahead of the 2022 season. While her time in Portland is seemingly over before it even started, it looks as though she will likely land somewhere else in the NWSL.

One of the controversial tweets retweeted from Nasello’s account.

gabby-provenzano

Provenzano helped lead the Scarlet Knights to the semifinals of the NCAA College Cup (Cos Lymperopoulos / scarletknights.com)

Gabby Provenzano: Defender  (2nd Round, 22nd Pick Overall)

Provenzano adds another option in the defense for the Thorns. While Portland already boasts an impressive defense, with a league best 17 goals against last year. The senior from Rutgers was named the 2021 Big Ten Defender of the Year.

She reunites with former teammate Madison Pogarch, who saw action in 15 games for the Thorns last season. It will be difficult for Provenzano to find minutes in an already great back line. However, in another season where COVID-19 will likely affect lineups, she will get her chances.

natalie-beckman

Beckman had a program-record 18 assists this season with Denver (Justin Tafoya / NCAA Photos)

Natalie Beckman (4th Round, 48th Overall Pick)

The final pick from the Thorns this season was winger Natalie Beckman. In her four seasons at Denver, she registered 21 goals for her team. Most impressively though was her 47 assists in college.

Beckman could be the best acquisition from the entire draft for Portland. She has proven that she is a crafty winger that makes the final pass in the attacking third. The Denver native also appeared in 83 games, starting in 81 of them, further proving her consistency in the attack. 

While the Thorns traditionally play a 4-3-1-2, that might change with new Manager Rhian Wilkinson in charge. No matter the formation change, Beckman would be a perfect super-sub on the outside.

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