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.