2023 Portland Thorns FC season
2023 season | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() Thorns at home vs. Chicago on May 21 | |||
Owner | Merritt Paulson | ||
General manager | Karina LeBlanc | ||
Head coach | Mike Norris | ||
Stadium | Providence Park (capacity: 25,218) | ||
League | 2nd | ||
Challenge Cup | Group stage | ||
Playoffs | Semifinals | ||
Top goalscorer | Sophia Smith (10 goals) | ||
Highest home attendance | 25,218 (September 16 vs. OLR) | ||
Lowest home attendance | 14,972 (Apr 22 vs. LOU) | ||
Average home league attendance | 18,815 | ||
Biggest win | 4–0 (Mar 26 vs. ORL) (May 21 vs. CHI) | ||
Biggest defeat | 1–3 (Jun 11 vs. ORL) | ||
| |||
All statistics correct as of July 21, 2023. |
The 2023 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's eleventh season as a professional women's soccer team. Thorns FC played in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top tier of women's soccer in the United States.
Background
[edit]Thorns FC are the league's defending champions after defeating the Kansas City Current 2–0 in the 2022 NWSL championship match. The championship was the club's third.[1]
League discipline
[edit]In December 2022, first-year head coach Rhian Wilkinson resigned. The joint NWSL/NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) report on league-wide abuse allegations revealed that Wilkinson allegedly self-reported having exchanged messages expressing mutual romantic feelings with Thorns FC player Emily Menges, who also served as treasurer of the NWSLPA. Wilkinson and Menges had previously been teammates when Wilkinson played for the Thorns in 2015. Wilkinson's resignation came in spite of the report also stating that Wilkinson did not violate league policies and did not suggest ending her employment.[2][3]
In January 2023, following the release of the joint NWSL and NWSLPA report and subsequent allegations of league policy violations in the club's actions around Paul Riley, the NWSL fined Thorns FC $1 million, retroactively satisfied by a previous $1 million pledge by owner Merritt Paulson toward establishing an NWSL player safety office. Paulson also announced his intent to sell the Thorns.[4] An early investment group led by former Nike executive Melanie Strong reportedly valued the Thorns at $60 million in a formal bid for a majority stake in the team.[5]
The same investigation also alleged that Thorns FC head athletic trainer Pierre Soubrier inappropriately distributed medication containing codeine to players during the 2022 semifinals, and that assistant coach Sophie Clough inappropriately kissed a player's neck during the team's championship celebrations. The club terminated both employees' employment following the report's release.[6]
Hirings
[edit]On January 10, 2023, Thorns FC announced the hiring of Mike Norris, an assistant on Wilkinson's Thorns FC staff and former Canadian women's national soccer team assistant and goalkeeper coach, as her replacement.[7]
On March 23, Thorns FC announced the hiring of Rob Gale and Katie Quinlan as assistant coaches. Gale was formerly head coach and general manager of Canadian Premier League team Valour FC and a youth coach for the Canadian women's national team, and Quinlan was director of player development for Texas club Gulf Coast SC and head coach and technical director for Blackburn Rovers L.F.C.[8]
Summary
[edit]March/April
[edit]Thorns FC acquired Canadian forward Adriana Leon on a short-term loan from Manchester United on April 13.[9]
In the April 29 match against Angel City FC, Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby scored a backheel goal in the final minutes of stoppage time to secure a 3–3 draw. The goal was the second in league history scored by a goalkeeper with both being equalizing goals scored in Providence Park by Thorns goalkeepers off stoppage-time corners in regular-season draws, following Michelle Betos's goal in a 1–1 draw against FC Kansas City on June 19, 2015.[10][11]
Portland went undefeated in league play during April, winning three matches and drawing two to finish the month at the top of the table with 11 points,[10] but lost its first Challenge Cup match of the season against San Diego Wave FC 0–1 on April 19.[12]
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Portland_Thorns_vs_Chicago_Red_Stars_68m_20230521.jpg/220px-Portland_Thorns_vs_Chicago_Red_Stars_68m_20230521.jpg)
May
[edit]On May 6 on the road against North Carolina Courage, the Thorns finished with a second consecutive 3–3 draw. Former Courage player Crystal Dunn scored a brace, with Olivia Moultrie's 83rd-minute equalizer salvaging the point.[13] The Thorns then suffered their first loss of the regular season against Houston Dash, taking an early lead on a Raquel Rodríguez goal but conceding to Joelle Anderson and Ebony Salmon in Houston.[14]
The Thorns responded at home on May 21 by scoring three goals in the first 16 minutes and adding a fourth in the second half in a shutout win against Chicago Red Stars. The match featured the second career goal of center back Kelli Hubly.[15] The match marked the third consecutive season that the Thorns had scored three goals on a team in the opening 16 minutes of a match, and the second time in three seasons that the Thorns had done so to Chicago.[16][17]
The May 21 match drew an attendance of 20,402, the team's largest home attendance to a regular-season match since the 2019 season.[18]
On May 26, the Thorns managed another late draw on the road, this time against San Diego Wave FC. Portland required a 90th-minute goal from rookie defender Reyna Reyes, her first professional score, from a Sam Coffey corner to equalize in the 1–1 tie.[19]
June
[edit]The Thorns opened June with their first-ever win at Lumen Field by defeating Cascadian rivals OL Reign 2–0.[20] The result was also the Thorns' first win against the Reign since the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.[21] Sophia Smith broke a seven-match goalscoring drought, the longest such drought of her career, with her 17th-minute goal,[22] and Christine Sinclair scored the Thorns' second tally in the 87th minute. Sinclair's goal marked the 60th match in all competitions in which she had scored, setting an NWSL record.[21] The match was the second of a doubleheader with the Seattle Sounders FC and Timbers, who played to a scoreless draw; the combined event sold more than 42,000 tickets.[23] Combined with a NJ/NY Gotham FC loss to San Diego Wave FC the following day, the result returned the Thorns to the top of the table.[21]
On June 22, 2023, the Thorns permanently transferred midfielder Lindsey Horan to Olympique Lyonnais, where she had been on loan since January 2022.[24] Lyon paid a transfer fee of €250,000 (US$274,000) with a conditional bonus of an additional €50,000 (US$54,750).[25]
Stadium and facilities
[edit]Thorns FC continued to play and train in Providence Park, their home since the team's inaugural season in 2013.
Player criticism
[edit]In an interview with ESPN on July 13, 2023, midfielder Lindsey Horan — who transferred from the Thorns to Olympique Lyon midseason while still on loan — cited the team's lack of a dedicated training facility compared to the Timbers, and lack of grass pitches for training and playing, in her decision to remain in France.[26] Active Thorns players Meghan Klingenberg and Bella Bixby added public criticism of the Providence Park surface and Thorns's lack of training facility to The Oregonian on July 20.[27]
Broadcasting
[edit]Local Fox Broadcasting Company affiliate station KPTV agreed to stream eight regular season Thorns FC matches locally via FOX 12 PLUS. These were in addition to the league's national broadcast and streaming agreements with CBS and Paramount+ in the United States, and with The Sports Network in Canada.[28]
Team
[edit]Staff
[edit]- As of April 1, 2023.[29]
Technical | |
---|---|
General manager President of Thorns FC operations |
![]() |
Head coach | ![]() |
Assistant coach | ![]() |
Assistant coach | ![]() |
Assistant coach | ![]() |
Goalkeeper coach | ![]() |
Medical | |
Assistant athletic trainer | Kelly Strasser |
Performance specialist | Tom Milroy |
Director of scouting and recruiting Youth sporting director |
Mike Smith |
Head physician | Breanne Brown |
Squad
[edit]- As of July 20, 2023.[31]
No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | Date of birth (age) | Since | Previous team | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | ![]() |
Bella Bixby | November 20, 1995 (aged 27) | 2018 | ![]() |
|
18 | GK | ![]() |
Shelby Hogan | May 10, 1998 (aged 24) | 2021 | ![]() |
|
29 | GK | ![]() |
Lauren Kozal | July 11, 2000 (aged 22) | 2023 | ![]() |
|
51 | GK | ![]() |
Lindsey Harris | November 19, 1993 (aged 29) | 2023 | ![]() |
GKR[a] |
48 | DF | ![]() |
Kayla Morrison | August 5, 1996 (aged 26) | 2023 | ![]() |
NTRP[b] |
2 | DF | ![]() |
Reyna Reyes | February 16, 2001 (aged 22) | 2023 | ![]() |
|
4 | DF | ![]() |
Becky Sauerbrunn | June 6, 1985 (aged 37) | 2020 | ![]() |
|
5 | DF | ![]() |
Emily Menges | July 28, 1992 (aged 30) | 2014 | ![]() |
|
14 | DF | ![]() |
Natalia Kuikka | December 1, 1995 (aged 27) | 2020 | ![]() |
INT[c] |
20 | DF | ![]() |
Kelli Hubly | August 9, 1994 (aged 28) | 2017 | ![]() |
|
25 | DF | ![]() |
Meghan Klingenberg | August 2, 1988 (aged 34) | 2015 | ![]() |
|
29 | DF | ![]() |
Tegan McGrady | October 11, 1997 (aged 25) | 2022 | ![]() |
|
39 | DF | ![]() |
Meaghan Nally | June 30, 1998 (aged 24) | 2020 | ![]() |
|
45 | DF | ![]() |
Natalie Beckman | March 25, 2000 (aged 23) | 2022 | ![]() |
|
8 | MF | ![]() |
Hina Sugita | January 31, 1997 (aged 26) | 2022 | ![]() |
INT[c] |
11 | MF | ![]() |
Raquel Rodríguez | October 28, 1993 (aged 29) | 2020 | ![]() |
|
13 | MF | ![]() |
Olivia Moultrie | September 17, 2005 (aged 17) | 2021 | ![]() |
|
17 | MF | ![]() |
Sam Coffey | December 31, 1998 (aged 24) | 2021 | ![]() |
|
19 | MF | ![]() |
Crystal Dunn | July 3, 1992 (aged 30) | 2020 | ![]() |
|
44 | MF | ![]() |
Gabby Provenzano | August 7, 1999 (aged 23) | 2022 | ![]() |
|
46 | MF | ![]() |
Taylor Porter | September 29, 1997 (aged 25) | 2021 | ![]() |
|
50 | MF | ![]() |
Isabel Dehakiz | July 19, 2000 (aged 22) | 2023 | ![]() |
NTRP[b] |
9 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | August 10, 2000 (aged 22) | 2020 | ![]() |
|
12 | FW | ![]() |
Christine Sinclair | June 12, 1983 (aged 39) | 2013 | ![]() |
|
15 | FW | ![]() |
Michele Vasconcelos | May 11, 1994 (aged 28) | 2022 | ![]() |
|
16 | FW | ![]() |
Janine Beckie | August 20, 1994 (aged 28) | 2022 | ![]() |
SEI[f][32] |
22 | FW | ![]() |
Morgan Weaver | October 18, 1997 (aged 25) | 2020 | ![]() |
|
24 | FW | ![]() |
Izzy D'Aquila | September 8, 2001 (aged 21) | 2023 | ![]() |
|
33 | FW | ![]() |
Hannah Betfort | January 4, 1999 (aged 24) | 2021 | ![]() |
|
49 | FW | ![]() |
Alyssa Walker | November 30, 1997 (aged 25) | 2023 | ![]() |
LOAN[g] |
Competitions
[edit]NWSL Challenge Cup
[edit]Portland finished second in the West Division during the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup and did not advance. Thorns FC returned to the West Division in the 2023 tournament.
Group stage
[edit]April 19, 2023 | San Diego Wave FC | 1–0 | Portland Thorns FC | San Diego, California |
7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium Attendance: 9,504 Referee: Brandon Stevis |
May 31, 2023 | Portland Thorns FC | 3–2 | Angel City FC | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 16,429 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
June 28, 2023 | Portland Thorns FC | 0–1 | OL Reign | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 16,252 Referee: Matthew Thompson |
July 21, 2023 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–1 | San Diego Wave FC | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 16,393 Referee: Ricardo Fierro |
July 29, 2023 | Angel City FC | 2–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Los Angeles, California |
7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: BMO Stadium Attendance: 13,154 Referee: Brandon Stevis |
August 6, 2023 | OL Reign | 0–0 | Portland Thorns FC | Seattle, Washington |
3:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Lumen Field Attendance: 12,061 Referee: Matthew Corrigan |
West Division standings
[edit]
Pos | Team | Pld | W | T | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | RGN | LA | POR | SD | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OL Reign | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | +7 | 14 | Advance to knockout stage | — | 0–0 | 0–0 | 1–0 | |
2 | Angel City FC | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | −1 | 8 | 0–2 | — | 2–1 | 2–1 | ||
3 | Portland Thorns FC | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 7 | 0–1 | 3–2 | — | 4–1 | ||
4 | San Diego Wave FC | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 11 | −7 | 4 | 0–3 | 1–1 | 1–0 | — |
Results by matchday
[edit]A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Regular season
[edit]Matches
[edit]March 28, 2023 1 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–0 | Orlando Pride | Portland, Oregon |
2:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 15,204 Referee: Eric Tattersall |
April 1, 2023 2 | Kansas City Current | 1–4 | Portland Thorns FC | Kansas City, Kansas |
11:30 a.m. CDT (UTC-5) | Report | Stadium: Children's Mercy Park Attendance: 11,301 Referee: Natalie Simon |
April 14, 2023 3 | Portland Thorns FC | 1–1 | Houston Dash | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report |
|
Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 15,657 Referee: Alex Billeter |
April 22, 2023 4 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–0 | Racing Louisville FC | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 14,972 Referee: Thomas Snyder |
April 29, 2023 5 | Portland Thorns FC | 3–3 | Angel City FC | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 16,938 Referee: Elton Garcia |
May 6, 2023 6 | North Carolina Courage | 3–3 | Portland Thorns FC | Cary, North Carolina |
7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park Attendance: 7,070 Referee: Alyssa Nichols |
May 12, 2023 7 | Houston Dash | 2–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Houston, Texas |
7:30 p.m. CDT (UTC-5) | Report | Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium Attendance: 4,638 Referee: Katja Koroleva |
May 21, 2023 8 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–0 | Chicago Red Stars | Portland, Oregon |
2:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report |
|
Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 20,402 Referee: Tori Penso |
May 26, 2023 9 | San Diego Wave FC | 1–1 | Portland Thorns FC | San Diego, California |
7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium Attendance: 18,130 Referee: Elton García |
June 3, 2023 10 | OL Reign | 0–2 | Portland Thorns FC | Seattle, Washington |
5:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | NWSL report ESPN report |
Stadium: Lumen Field Attendance: 42,054 Referee: Brad Jensen |
June 11, 2023 11 | Orlando Pride | 3–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Orlando, Florida |
7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) |
|
Report | Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 7,319 Referee: Danielle Chesky |
June 18, 2023 12 | Chicago Red Stars | 2–3 | Portland Thorns FC | Bridgeview, Illinois |
5:00 p.m. CDT (UTC-5) |
|
Report | Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium Attendance: 3,655 Referee: Anya Voigt |
June 23, 2023 13 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–2 | Washington Spirit | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 20,254 Referee: Katja Koroleva |
July 1, 2023 14 | Portland Thorns FC | 0–1 | Kansas City Current | Portland, Oregon |
7:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 17,796 Referee: Tori Penso |
July 9, 2023 15 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 2–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Harrison, New Jersey |
5:30 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report |
|
Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 3,923 Referee: Greg Dopka |
August 20, 2023 16 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–1 | North Carolina Courage | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Hubly ![]() Belfort ![]() |
Report | Materazzi ![]() |
Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 22,107 Referee: Matthew Thompson |
August 27, 2023 17 | Washington Spirit | 1–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Washington, D.C. |
5:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Hatch ![]() |
Report | Weaver ![]() |
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 13,048 Referee: Jeremy Scheer |
September 2, 2023 18 | Racing Louisville FC | 2–1 | Portland Thorns FC | Louisville, Kentucky |
7:30 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) | Report | Weaver ![]() |
Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium Attendance: 5,778 Referee: Karen Callado |
September 16, 2023 19 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–0 | OL Reign | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 25,218 Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva |
September 30, 2023 20 | Portland Thorns FC | 0–2 | San Diego Wave FC | Portland, Oregon |
7:30 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 19,947 Referee: Calin Radosav |
October 7, 2023 21 | Portland Thorns FC | 1-0 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Portland, Oregon |
2:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Hina Sugita![]() |
Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 19,599 Referee: Danielle Chesky |
October 15, 2023 22 | Angel City FC | 5-1 | Portland Thorns FC | Los Angeles, California |
2:00 p.m. PDT (UTC-7) | Report |
|
Stadium: BMO Stadium Attendance: 22,000 Referee: Elvis Osmanovic |
Regular season standings
[edit]Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | San Diego Wave FC (S) | 22 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 31 | 22 | +9 | 37 | Playoff semifinals and W Champions Cup |
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 42 | 32 | +10 | 35 | |
3 | North Carolina Courage | 22 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 29 | 22 | +7 | 33 | Playoff quarterfinals |
4 | OL Reign | 22 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 29 | 24 | +5 | 32 | |
5 | Angel City FC | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 31 | 30 | +1 | 31 | |
6 | NJ/NY Gotham FC (C) | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 31 | |
7 | Orlando Pride | 22 | 10 | 1 | 11 | 27 | 28 | −1 | 31 | |
8 | Washington Spirit | 22 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 26 | 29 | −3 | 30 | |
9 | Racing Louisville FC | 22 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 27 | |
10 | Houston Dash | 22 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 18 | −2 | 26 | |
11 | Kansas City Current | 22 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 30 | 36 | −6 | 26 | |
12 | Chicago Red Stars | 22 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 28 | 50 | −22 | 24 |
Results summary
[edit]Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 42 | 32 | +10 | 35 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 23 | 10 | +13 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 22 | −3 |
Last updated: July 9, 2023.
Source: NWSLsoccer.com
Results by matchday
[edit]A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Playoffs
[edit]November 5, 2023 Semi-finals | Portland Thorns FC | 0-1 (a.e.t.) | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Portland, Oregon |
4:00 p.m. PST | Hina Sugita ![]() |
[1] | Martin ![]() Nighswonger ![]() López ![]() Krieger ![]() Stengel ![]() |
Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 25,218 Referee: Danielle Chesky |
Statistics
[edit]- As of matches played July 21, 2023.[33]
No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
22 | FW | ![]() |
Morgan Weaver | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
19 | MF | ![]() |
Crystal Dunn | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
33 | FW | ![]() |
Hannah Betfort | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
12 | FW | ![]() |
Christine Sinclair | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
8 | MF | ![]() |
Hina Sugita | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
13 | MF | ![]() |
Olivia Moultrie | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
2 | DF | ![]() |
Reyna Reyes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
15 | FW | ![]() |
Michele Vasconcelos | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
1 | GK | ![]() |
Bella Bixby | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
24 | FW | ![]() |
Izzy D'Aquila | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
20 | DF | ![]() |
Kelli Hubly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
14 | DF | ![]() |
Natalia Kuikka | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
11 | MF | ![]() |
Raquel Rodríguez | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 30 | 7 | 0 | 37 |
No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17 | MF | ![]() |
Sam Coffey | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
25 | DF | ![]() |
Meghan Klingenberg | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
15 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
13 | MF | ![]() |
Olivia Moultrie | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
8 | MF | ![]() |
Hina Sugita | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
22 | FW | ![]() |
Morgan Weaver | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
19 | MF | ![]() |
Crystal Dunn | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
14 | DF | ![]() |
Natalia Kuikka | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
12 | FW | ![]() |
Christine Sinclair | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
33 | FW | ![]() |
Hannah Betfort | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
24 | FW | ![]() |
Izzy D'Aquila | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 27 | 6 | 0 | 33 |
No. | Pos. | Ntn. | Name | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | ![]() |
Bella Bixby | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Total | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Player | NWSL | Cup | Playoffs | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
20 | DF | ![]() |
Kelli Hubly | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
14 | DF | ![]() |
Natalia Kuikka | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
39 | DF | ![]() |
Meaghan Nally | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
1 | GK | ![]() |
Bella Bixby | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
9 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
8 | MF | ![]() |
Hina Sugita | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
17 | MF | ![]() |
Sam Coffey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
25 | DF | ![]() |
Meghan Klingenberg | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
46 | MF | ![]() |
Taylor Porter | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
15 | FW | ![]() |
Michele Vasconcelos | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
22 | FW | ![]() |
Morgan Weaver | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 17 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
Awards
[edit]- As of July 5, 2023.
NWSL monthly awards
[edit]Month | Pos. | Nat. | Name | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
March/April | DF | ![]() |
Becky Sauerbrunn | [34] |
MF | ![]() |
Crystal Dunn | ||
FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | ||
May | MF | ![]() |
Crystal Dunn (2) | [35] |
June | MF | ![]() |
Sam Coffey | [36] |
FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith (2) |
Month | Player of the Month | Statline | Ref. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pos. | Nat. | Name | |||
March/April | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | Hat-trick vs. KC; 4 goals, 4 assists | [37] |
June | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith (2) | Hat-trick vs. WAS; 6 goals | [38] |
NWSL weekly awards
[edit]Wk. | Player of the Week | Ref. | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pos. | Nat. | Name | Won | ||
1 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | Nom. | [39] |
2 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith | Won | [40] |
6 | MF | ![]() |
Crystal Dunn | Won | [41] |
8 | MF | ![]() |
Sam Coffey | Nom. | [42] |
10 | FW | ![]() |
Morgan Weaver | 2nd | [43] |
13 | FW | ![]() |
Sophia Smith (2) | Won | [44] |
Wk. | Save of the Week | Ref. | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pos. | Nat. | Name | Won | ||
4 | GK | ![]() |
Bella Bixby | Nom. | [45] |
6 | [46] | ||||
9 | [47] | ||||
10 | [48] | ||||
13 | GK | ![]() |
Shelby Hogan | Nom. | [49] |
Transactions
[edit]2023 NWSL Draft
[edit]Draft picks are not automatically signed to the team roster. The 2023 NWSL Draft was held on January 12, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
R | P | Pos. | Nat. | Player | College | Status | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 5 | DF
|
![]() |
Reyna Reyes | University of Alabama | Signed through 2024 with an option for 2025 on March 25, 2023. | [50][51] |
12 | FW
|
![]() |
Izzy D'Aquila | Santa Clara University | Signed through 2025 with an option for 2026 on March 15, 2023. | [51][52] | |
2 | 24 | FW
|
![]() |
Lauren DeBeau | Michigan State University | Not signed, rights released. | [53] |
3 | 32 | GK
|
![]() |
Lauren Kozal | Michigan State University | Signed through 2023 with an option for 2024 on March 15, 2023. | [51][52] |
Contract options
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 1, 2022 | FW
|
![]() |
Christine Sinclair | Option exercised. | [51] |
November 15, 2022 | DF
|
![]() |
Natalie Beckman | Option exercised. | [51] |
MF
|
![]() |
Taylor Porter | |||
MF
|
![]() |
Gabby Provenzano | |||
FW
|
![]() |
Marissa Everett | Option declined; player retired. |
Re-signings
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
September 30, 2022 | DF
|
![]() |
Becky Sauerbrunn | Free agent re-signed through 2023. | [51][54] |
November 8, 2022 | MF
|
![]() |
Raquel Rodríguez | Re-signed through 2025. | [51][55] |
November 10, 2022 | MF
|
![]() |
Sam Coffey | Signed a contract extension through 2025. | [51][56] |
November 15, 2022 | MF
|
![]() |
Morgan Weaver | Signed a contract extension through 2024 with an option for 2025. | [51][57] |
January 27, 2023 | DF
|
![]() |
Tegan McGrady | Re-signed through 2023 with an option for 2024. | [51][58] |
FW
|
![]() |
Michele Vasconcelos | Free agent re-signed through 2023 with an option for 2024. | ||
FW
|
![]() |
Hannah Betfort | Re-signed through 2024 with an option for 2025. | ||
DF
|
![]() |
Meaghan Nally | Re-signed through 2024 with an option for 2025. | ||
GK
|
![]() |
Shelby Hogan | Re-signed through 2025 with an option for 2026. |
Loans in
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Previous club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 13, 2023 | FW |
![]() |
Adriana Leon | ![]() |
Signed for a short-term loan through June 30, 2023. | [9] |
July 20, 2023 | FW |
![]() |
Alyssa Walker | ![]() |
Signed for a short-term loan with fee until September 1, 2023. | [59] |
Loans out
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Destination club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 30, 2023 | MF |
![]() |
Lindsey Horan | ![]() |
Loaned until June 30, 2023. | [60] |
Transfers in
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Previous club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 29, 2023 | DF |
![]() |
Kayla Morrison | ![]() |
Signed to a short-term National Team Replacement Player contract. | [61] |
July 6, 2023 | MF |
![]() |
Isabel Dehakiz | ![]() |
Signed to a short-term National Team Replacement Player contract. | [62] |
July 20, 2023 | GK |
![]() |
Lindsey Harris | ![]() |
Signed to a short-term Goalkeeper Replacement contract due to a knee injury to Lauren Kozal. | [59] |
September 20, 2023 | DF |
![]() |
Rikke Sevecke | ![]() |
Signed for remainder of 2023 with a team option for the 2024 season. | [63] |
Transfers out
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Destination club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 28, 2022 | GK
|
![]() |
Abby Smith | ![]() |
Unrestricted free agent signing. | [64] |
January 5, 2023 | MF
|
![]() |
Yazmeen Ryan | ![]() |
Traded to Angel City FC in exchange for the fifth-overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and $200,000 in allocation money. As part of the transaction, Ryan was traded by Angel City to Gotham FC with $250,000 in allocation money in exchange for the first-overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft. | [65] |
June 22, 2023 | MF
|
![]() |
Lindsey Horan | ![]() |
Transferred for a transfer fee of €250,000 with a conditional €50,000 bonus. | [25] |
Retirements
[edit]Date | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
November 28, 2022 | FW
|
![]() |
Marissa Everett | [66] |
- ^ Rights acquired via Angel City FC.
References
[edit]- ^ Seiler, Margaret (October 30, 2022). "Portland Thorns Win Their Third NWSL Championship". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (December 2, 2022). "Portland Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson resigning after investigation clears her of player relationship". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Linehan, Meg (December 2, 2022). "Rhian Wilkinson resigns from Portland Thorns amidst concerns over player relationship cleared by investigation". The Athletic. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Hasenstab, Alex (January 9, 2023). "Portland Thorns announce new head coach as league rolls out penalties". Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Carlisle, Jeff (December 1, 2022). "All-women investor group to submit bid for NWSL's Portland Thorns - sources". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (January 24, 2023). "Portland Thorns fire head athletic trainer, assistant coach following NWSL investigations into misconduct". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Seiler, Margaret (January 10, 2023). "Portland Thorns Name Mike Norris, an Assistant in 2022, as New Head Coach". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (March 23, 2023). "Portland Thorns hire Rob Gale, Katie Quinlan as assistant coaches under Mike Norris". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ a b "Canada forward Adriana Leon joins Portland Thorns on short-term loan from Man United". Sportsnet. Canadian Press. April 13, 2023. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ a b Gallardo-Molina, Victor (April 29, 2023). "Bella Bixby's heroics in stoppage time keep Thorns undefeated in 2023" (Press release). Portland Timbers. Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Jason (April 30, 2023). "Bella Bixby, goalkeeper, turns goalscorer with stunning Portland Thorns equalizer". Pro Soccer Wire. USA Today. Archived from the original on April 30, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Trujillo, Hector (April 20, 2023). "Wave beats Thorns to open Challenge Cup play". sdnews.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Jason (May 7, 2023). "Portland Thorns in another bananas 3-3 draw, this time at NC Courage". Pro Soccer Wire. USA Today. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (May 13, 2023). "Portland Thorns suffer first loss of 2023 season, 2-1, to Houston Dash". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (May 21, 2023). "Portland Thorns break out of slump, decimate Chicago Red Stars 4-0". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ OptaJack [@OptaJack] (May 21, 2023). "16 - @ThornsFC have scored 3 goals in the first 16 minutes of a regular season @NWSL match for the third time in club history" (Tweet). Retrieved May 22, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ OptaJack [@OptaJack] (May 21, 2023). "Fastest 3 goals from kickoff in a regular season match in @NWSL history:" (Tweet). Retrieved May 22, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "2019 Portland Thorns FC Scores and Fixtures, All Competitions". FBref.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023., "2021 Portland Thorns FC Scores and Fixtures, All Competitions". FBref.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023., "2022 Portland Thorns FC Scores and Fixtures, All Competitions". FBref.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (May 26, 2023). "On late header by Reyna Reyes, Portland Thorns pull out 1-1 draw at San Diego Wave". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
- ^ "OL Reign lose to Thorns for first time since 2019 to cap soccer twinbill". The Seattle Times. June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ a b c Danzer, Paul (June 3, 2023). "Portland Thorns slay rival Seattle's Reign as Smith, Sinclair score goals". Portland Tribune. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (June 3, 2023). "Portland Thorns earn 2-0 statement victory on road at OL Reign". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ Rantz, Susie (June 3, 2023). "Smith, Sinclair lead Portland Thorns past rival OL Reign 2-0". AP News. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ "Lindsey Horan stays with Lyon". Footbalada. June 22, 2023.
- ^ a b Clarke, Ryan (June 22, 2023). "Portland Thorns transfer midfielder Lindsey Horan to Olympique Lyonnais". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ Horan, Lindsey (July 13, 2023). "Horan warns World Cup rivals: 'There's MORE to come' from her and USWNT". Futbol Americas (Interview). Interviewed by Sebastian Salazar. ESPN FC. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
Health-wise, physically, I wanted to be in a place where I could be training on grass every single day as well. It's a major component that's not seen as much in the NWSL, and where certain teams are training, and especially in Portland. I would hate myself if I didn't say that because they deserve better as well. ... They need to have a facility for the women as well. How do the Timbers have it but the Thorns don't?
(3:25–4:31) - ^ Clarke, Ryan (July 20, 2023). "Portland Thorns players urge club to invest in grass field, dedicated training facility". The Oregonian. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (March 15, 2023). "Portland Thorns reveal streaming, TV broadcast details for 2023 season". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Technical Staff". Portland Timbers. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
- ^ "Thorns FC add Vytas Andriuskevicius to coaching staff" (Press release). Portland Timbers. May 11, 2022. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
- ^ "Portland Thorns FC". Portland Timbers. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Azzi, Alex (March 18, 2023). "Janine Beckie to miss World Cup, NWSL season with ACL tear". Just Women's Sports. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "2023 Portland Thorns FC Stats (NWSL)". FBref. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ "National Women's Soccer League Announces March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ "National Women's Soccer League Announces May Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ "National Women's Soccer League Announces June Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (May 4, 2023). "Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith named NWSL player of the month". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ "Portland Thorns FC Forward Sophia Smith Named June Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports". National Women's Soccer League (Press release).
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (March 27, 2023). "Week 1 in the books! Who is your Player of the Week?" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 6, 2023). "The Hat Trick 👑" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 9, 2023). "WARNING" (Tweet). Retrieved May 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 22, 2023). "We've seen some impressive performances this week!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 6, 2023). "So many incredible moments this week!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 26, 2023). "No shortage of AMAZING @budlight POTW contenders!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 30, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 25, 2023). "Save of the week is back! Cast your vote ✅" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 9, 2023). "We're back with another Save of the Week!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 31, 2023). "We've got some record breakers and game savers on the ballot for this week's @DeloitteUS Impact Save of the Week!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 7, 2023). "Unbelievable stops" (Tweet). Retrieved June 7, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 28, 2023). "Four epic saves last week!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 30, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Thorns FC sign defender Reyna Reyes" (Press release). Portland Timbers. March 25, 2023. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "NWSL Transfer Tracker: 2022–23 Offseason". Equalizer Soccer. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ a b "Thorns FC sign forward Izzy D'Aquila, goalkeeper Lauren Kozal" (Press release). Portland Timbers. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Thorns FC's roster ahead the 2023 opening match on March 26" (Press release). Portland Timbers. March 20, 2023. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
- ^ Svilar, Sam (September 30, 2022). "Becky Sauerbrunn re-signs with Portland Thorns for 2023 season". Stumptown Footy. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (November 8, 2022). "Rocky Rodríguez signs new contract with Portland Thorns". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (November 10, 2022). "Sam Coffey signs contract extension with Portland Thorns after standout rookie season". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (November 15, 2022). "Portland Thorns sign forward Morgan Weaver to contract extension". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Isom, Wilder (January 27, 2023). "The Thorns re-sign five players". Stumptown Footy. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ a b Clarke, Ryan (July 20, 2023). "Portland Thorns sign two additional replacement players for World Cup break". The Oregonian. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (May 23, 2023). "Lyon manager: Lindsey Horan, on loan from Portland Thorns, to stay at Lyon". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (June 29, 2023). "Portland Thorns sign defender Kayla Morrison as national team replacement player". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ "Thorns FC sign Isabel Dehakiz as National Team Replacement Player" (Press release). Portland Timbers. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ^ "Thorns FC sign defender Rikke Sevecke". Portland Timbers FC. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ Tonelli, Jenna (November 28, 2022). "Gotham FC Gets a New Keeper, Signs Free Agent Abby Smith". Nets Republic. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (January 5, 2023). "Portland Thorns trade midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, acquire draft picks and allocation money". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Marissa Everett's next challenge: nursing school" (Press release). Portland Timbers. November 28, 2022. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.