2017 Portland Thorns FC season

Last updated

Portland Thorns FC
2017 season
President Merritt Paulson
Head coach Mark Parsons
Stadium Providence Park
Portland, Oregon
(Capacity: 21,144)
National Women's Soccer League 2nd
NWSL PlayoffsChampions
Top goalscorer Christine Sinclair (8 goals)
Highest home attendance21,444
(September 30 vs. Chicago Red Stars)
Lowest home attendance14,471
(April 29 vs. Chicago Red Stars)
Average home league attendance17,653
Biggest win4–0
(September 2 vs. Washington Spirit)
Biggest defeat1–3
(June 17 vs. Sky Blue FC)
  2016
2018  
All statistics correct as of July 8, 2017.

The 2017 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's and the league's fifth season of existence. The Thorns played in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's soccer in the United States. The Thorns had finished in first place in the 2016 season, but failed to advance from the semifinals in the 2016 NWSL playoffs. With a slogan of "Unfinished Business", they qualified for the NWSL playoffs as the 2nd ranked team in the 2017 regular season. In the playoffs, they defeated the Orlando Pride and then the North Carolina Courage to become 2017 NWSL Champions. It was their second championship, following the first in 2013.

Contents

This page covers from the day after the 2016 NWSL final to the day of the 2017 NWSL final.

Background

Season review

Off-season

On October 17, 2016, defender Kat Williamson announced her retirement from soccer.

On October 19, 2016, Portland Thorns FC exercised contract options on goalkeeper Adrianna Franch; defenders Meg Morris and Katherine Reynolds; midfielders Celeste Boureille, Dagný Brynjarsdóttir, Amandine Henry, and Kendall Johnson; and forwards Nadia Nadim, Hayley Raso, and Mallory Weber. Goalkeeper Michelle Betos, defender Emily Menges, and midfielder Meleana Shim went out of contract and were extended new contract offers. Michelle Betos would later confirm on her Twitter account that she did not accept the offer, while Menges and Shim did.

On October 27, 2016, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, Allie Long, Meghan Klingenberg and goalkeeper Adrianna Franch were called up for USA for two friendly matches against Romania.

On November 2, 2016, Emily Menges received her first USA call up due to Meghan Klingenberg suffering from a back injury.

On November 8, 2016, Portland Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons signed a long-term contract extension. Director of goalkeeping Nadine Angerer also signed a contract extension.

On December 13, 2016, Tobin Heath was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

On December 15, 2016, Christine Sinclair was named Canadian Player of the Year.

On January 4, 2017, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Allie Long, Emily Sonnett and goalkeeper Adrianna Franch were called up by USA for an evaluation period for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.

On January 12, 2017, Portland Thorns FC selected midfielders Rachel Hill and Caroline Flynn and forwards Savannah Jordan and Tyler Lussi from the 2017 NWSL College Draft.

On January 18, 2017, Portland Thorns FC acquired Orlando Pride's first-round and fourth-round 2018 NWSL College Draft picks for the rights to forward Rachel Hill, who was chosen by Portland in the 2017 NWSL College Draft.

On January 27, 2017, Amandine Henry was sent on a short-term loan to French side Paris Saint-Germain.

On February 8, 2017, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Allie Long, and defenders Meghan Klingenberg and Emily Sonnett were called up to the USA training camp ahead of the SheBelieves Cup.

On February 22, 2017, Portland Thorns FC re-signed defender Emily Menges and midfielder Meleana Shim.

On March 8, 2017, Portland Thorns FC traded two fourth round picks in the 2018 NWSL College Draft to the North Carolina Courage for goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom.

Preseason

On March 13, 2017, Portland Thorns FC announced their 2017 preseason roster, which included 5 non-roster invites.

On March 26, 2017, Portland Thorns FC began their preseason tournament against the Chicago Red Stars. There would be no cards and a single goal from Nadia Nadim in the 26th minute from a converted penalty. Portland would go on to win their first preseason match 1–0.

On April 14, 2017, the Thorns signed defender Meghan Cox, who was an undrafted non-roster invitee to preseason camp.

April

On April 15, 2017, Portland Thorns FC hosted the Orlando Pride for the start of the 2017 NWSL campaign. In the 32nd minute, Nadia Nadim successfully converted a penalty kick after an Orlando handball in the box. In the 67th minute, Allie Long sent a cross to Christine Sinclair, who scored to put the Thorns up another goal. After the 2–0 win, they were tied for first place with Houston Dash and FC Kansas City.

Vs. Orlando Pride on April 15, 2017 Portland Thorns 2017-04-15 10.jpg
Vs. Orlando Pride on April 15, 2017

On April 22, 2017, Portland Thorns FC went on the road for the first time to take on the North Carolina Courage, formerly the Western New York Flash, relocated and rebranded in the offseason. North Carolina won 1–0 on a late goal from Debinha in the 81st minute.

On April 29, 2017, the Thorns returned home to defeat the Chicago Red Stars 1–0 on a Nadia Nadim penalty kick after a Christen Press handball in the box.

Position at the end of April

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
3 Portland Thorns FC 320131+26
Source: [ citation needed ]

May

Thorns FC opened May by hosting their rivals Seattle Reign FC. In the 1st minute, Seattle's Jess Fishlock scored a long-range shot from 24 yards out. In the 37th minute, Fishlock scored again but instead this time in Seattle's own net, equalizing Portland 1–1. Shortly after in the 29th minute,[ clarification needed ] Merritt Mathias, with an assist from Rebekah Stott, put Seattle back up, 2–1, at the end of the first half. Portland equalized again with a goal from Allie Long, assisted by Meghan Klingenberg, in the 82nd minute. Both teams settled with a point from a final score of 2–2.

Position as of May 6

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
2 Portland Thorns FC 421153+27
Source: [ citation needed ]

Competitions

CompetitionRecordStarted roundFirst matchLast matchFinal position
GWDLGFGAGDWin %
NWSL 2414553720+17058.331April 15, 2017September 30, 2017Second place
NWSL Playoffs 220051+4100.001October 7, 2017October 14, 2017Winners
Total2616554221+21061.54

Updated to match played Jan. 15, 2018
Source: Competitions

NWSL

Preseason

Providence Park Preseason Tournament
  Win  Draw  Loss  Upcoming fixture

March 26, 20171 Portland Thorns FC 1–0 Chicago Red Stars Portland, Oregon
17:00 (PST) Nadim Soccerball shade.svg26' (pen.) Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 6,802
March 29, 20172 Portland Thorns FC 1–2 U.S. U-23s WNT Portland, Oregon
19:30 (PST) Weber Soccerball shade.svg8' (Sinclair, Herndon) Report Xiao Soccerball shade.svg66'
Smith Soccerball shade.svg90'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 6,129
April 1, 20173 Portland Thorns FC 1–1 Houston Dash Portland, Oregon
19:30 (PST) Shim Soccerball shade.svg17'
Nadim Yellow card.svg 43'
Report Daly Yellow card.svg 28', Soccerball shade.svg76'Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 7,252
PosTeamPldWLDGFGAGDPts
1 Flag of the United States.svg Houston Dash (C)31114404
2 Flag of the United States.svg Portland Thorns FC 31113304
2 Flag of the United States.svg U.S. U-23s WNT 31113304
3 Flag of the United States.svg Chicago Red Stars 31112204
Source: [ citation needed ]
(C) Champions

Regular season

League table
PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1 North Carolina Courage 2416173822+1649 NWSL Shield
2 Portland Thorns FC (C)2414553720+1747 NWSL Playoffs
3 Orlando Pride 2411764531+1440
4 Chicago Red Stars 2411673330+339
5 Seattle Reign FC 249784337+634
6 Sky Blue FC 24103114251933
7 FC Kansas City 248792931231
8 Houston Dash 24731423391624
9 Boston Breakers 24471324351119
10 Washington Spirit 24541530481819
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(C) Champions
Matches

  Win  Draw  Loss  Upcoming fixture

DateRound Home team Score Away team Location
TimeStadium: Stadium
Attendance: Attendance
Referee: Referee
April 15, 20171 Portland Thorns FC 2–0 Orlando Pride Portland, Oregon
12:00 (PST) Nadim Soccerball shade.svg32' (pen.)
Sinclair Soccerball shade.svg67' (Long)
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,145
Referee: Danielle Chesky
April 23, 20162 North Carolina Courage 1–0 Portland Thorns FC Cary, North Carolina
16:30 (PST) Kawamura Yellow card.svg 27'
Mewis Yellow card.svg 76'
Debinha Soccerball shade.svg81' (McDonald)
Report Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park
Attendance: 6,298
Referee: Victor Rivas
April 29, 20173 Portland Thorns FC 1–0 Chicago Red Stars Portland, Oregon
13:00 (PST) Nadim Soccerball shade.svg27' (pen.)
Sonnett Yellow card.svg 51'
Boureille Yellow card.svg 67'
Report Ertz Yellow card.svg 64'
Press Yellow card.svg 90+1'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 14,471
Referee: Ramy Touchan
May 6, 20174 Portland Thorns FC 2–2 Seattle Reign FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 (PST) Fishlock Soccerball shade.svg37' (o.g.)
Henry Yellow card.svg 73'
Long Soccerball shade.svg82' (Klingenberg)
Horan Yellow card.svg 90+1'
Report Fishlock Soccerball shade.svg1' (Utsugi)
Mathias Soccerball shade.svg39' (Stott)
Rapinoe Yellow card.svg 57'
Fishlock Yellow card.svg 66'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,160
Referee: Christina Unkel
May 13, 20175 FC Kansas City 0–0 Portland Thorns FC Kansas City, Missouri
19:00 (PST) Moros Yellow card.svg 74' Report Stadium: Swope Soccer Village
Attendance: 1,796
Referee: Karen Abt
May 19, 20176 Boston Breakers 2–2 Portland Thorns Boston, Massachusetts
16:00 (PST) Dowie Soccerball shade.svg38' (Leon)
White Soccerball shade.svg48' (Dowie)
Salem Yellow card.svg 90'
Report Nadim Soccerball shade.svg57' (pen.)
Weber Yellow card.svg 65'
Cox Yellow card.svg 68'
Nadim Soccerball shade.svg83' (Raso)
Stadium: Jordan Field
Attendance: 3,321
Referee: Farhad Dadkho
May 27, 20177 Portland Thorns FC 2–0 Boston Breakers Portland, Oregon
19:00 (PST) King Soccerball shade.svg1' (o.g.)
Henry Soccerball shade.svg5'
Nadim Yellow card.svg 49'
Report Haavi Yellow card.svg 24'
Westphal Yellow card.svg 71'
Chapman Red card.svg 90+1'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 18,637
Referee: Katja Koroleva
June 3, 20178 Sky Blue FC 0–2 Portland Thorns FC Piscataway, New Jersey
16:00 (PST) Mills Yellow card.svg 20'
O'Hara Yellow card.svg 89'
Report Horan Soccerball shade.svg20' (Nadim), 42' (Klingenberg), Yellow card.svg 59'
Cox Yellow card.svg 77'
Stadium: Yurcak Field
Attendance: 2,418
Referee: Marco Vega
Assistant referees: Amanda Ross, Tom Felice
Fourth official: Lorant Varga
June 17, 20179 Portland Thorns FC 1–3 Sky Blue FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 (PST) Henry Yellow card.svg 90+1'
Sinclair Soccerball shade.svg90+5' (penalty)
Report Rodriguez Soccerball shade.svg1' (Kerr)
O'Hara Yellow card.svg 74'
Kerr Soccerball shade.svg70' (Hayes), 88' (Tiernan)
Stanton Yellow card.svg 90'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,736
Referee: Timothy Ford
Assistant referees: Deleana Quan, JJ Blodgett
Fourth official: Cephas Quartson
June 24, 201710 Washington Spirit 1–0 Portland Thorns FC Boyds, Maryland
16:00 (PST) Ordega Soccerball shade.svg19' Report Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 4,319
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Assistant referees: Cory Richardson, Jeffrey Skinker
Fourth official: Jorge Ramirez
June 28, 201711 Portland Thorns FC 3–0 FC Kansas City Portland, Oregon
19:00 (PST) Sinclair Soccerball shade.svg15', 75' (Raso), Yellow card.svg 71'
Raso Soccerball shade.svg32' (Horan), Yellow card.svg 66'
Horan Yellow card.svg 52'
Report Newfield Yellow card.svg 54'
Ratcliffe Yellow card.svg 83'
Kelly Yellow card.svg 90+2'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,199
Referee: Chipalo Street
Assistant referees: Adrienne McDonald, Cephas Quartson
Fourth official: Kelsey Harms
July 1, 201712 Seattle Reign FC 2–0 Portland Thorns FC Seattle, Washington
19:00 (PST) Rapinoe Soccerball shade.svg45+1', 81' (Nairn)
McNabb Yellow card.svg 77'
Report Sinclair Yellow card.svg 64'
Brynjarsdottir Yellow card.svg 72'
Raso Yellow card.svg 90+1'
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 4,270
Referee: Jon Freemon
Assistant referees: Joshua Haimes, TJ Zablocki
Fourth official: Cephas Quartson
July 8, 201713 Houston Dash 1–1 Portland Thorns FC Houston, Texas
19:00 (PST) Beckie Soccerball shade.svg8' (Daly)
Benites Yellow card.svg 82'
Daly Yellow card.svg 90'
Lloyd Red card.svg 90+1'
Report Horan Yellow card.svg 45+2', Soccerball shade.svg90+1'Stadium: BBVA Compass Stadium
Attendance: 3,869
Referee: Christina Unkel
Assistant referees: Deleana Quan, Brooke Mayo
Fourth official: Estefania Estrada
Note: Kickoff was delayed from 17:30 Pacific due to severe weather.
July 15, 201714 Portland Thorns FC 1–0 North Carolina Courage Portland, Oregon
12:50 (PST) Raso Yellow card.svg 62', Soccerball shade.svg70' (Klingenberg) Report Smith Yellow card.svg 58'Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,804
July 22, 201715 Portland Thorns FC 2–1 Washington Spirit Portland Oregon
19:00 (PST) Long Soccerball shade.svg62' (Lussi)
Weber Soccerball shade.svg80' (Sykes)
Sykes Yellow card.svg 30'
Report Solaun Soccerball shade.svg58'
Ship Yellow card.svg 12'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 18,478
August 5, 201716 Portland Thorns FC 2–1 Houston Dash Portland, Oregon
12:50 (PST)
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 18,243
Referee: Karen Abt
August 12, 201717 Chicago Red Stars 2–3 Portland Thorns FC Bridgeview, Illinois
19:00 (PST)
Report
Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 4,934
Referee: Greg Dopka
August 16, 201718 FC Kansas City 2–1 Portland Thorns FC Kansas City, Missouri
19:00 (PST)
Report
Stadium: Swope Soccer Village
Attendance: 428
Referee: Marco Vega
August 19, 201719 Portland Thorns FC 2–0 Houston Dash Portland, Oregon
19:00 (PST)
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 19,672
Referee: Christina Unkel
August 26, 201720 Seattle Reign FC 1–2 Portland Thorns FC Seattle, Washington
13:00 (PST)
Summary
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 6,041
Referee: Farhad Dadkho
September 2, 201721 Portland Thorns FC 4–0 Washington Spirit Portland, Oregon
13:00 (PST)
Report Haracic Yellow card.svg 21'Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 19,141
September 10, 201722 Boston Breakers 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Boston, Massachusetts
15:00 (PST)
Report
Stadium: Jordan Field
September 23, 201723 Orlando Pride 0–0 Portland Thorns FC Orlando, Florida
12:50 (PST) Report Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
September 30, 201724 Portland Thorns FC 3–1 Chicago Red Stars Portland, Oregon
12:50 (PDT)
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 21,144
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
October 7, 2017Playoff Portland Thorns FC 4–1 Orlando Pride Portland, Oregon
12:30 (PDT)
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 18,193
Referee: Timothy Ford
October 14, 2017Final North Carolina Courage 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Orlando, Florida
16:30 (EDT) Report
Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 8,124
Referee: Danielle Chesky

The 2017 NWSL Regular Season schedule was released on March 1, 2017. [1] On June 12, the league changed kickoff times for several matches to accommodate hydration breaks during television broadcasts and implemented new guidelines for playing in extreme heat, and also allowed teams to reschedule backup games for television to later kickoff times. [2] [3] [4]

Results by round
Matchday123456789101112131415161718192021222324
Stadium H A HH A A H A H A H A A HHH A A H A H A A H
ResultWLWDDDWWLLWLDWWWWLWWWWDW
Position [lower-alpha 1] 363235534435542222222222
Updated to match(es) played on September 29, 2017. Source: Schedule
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
  1. Position is based on where the Portland Thorns FC are at the end of that match week, not after the match itself.
Home/away results
OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
2414553720 +17471011258 +174441212 0

Last updated: September 29, 2017.
Source: Match reports

NWSL Playoffs

  Win  Draw  Loss  Upcoming fixture

Semifinal:

October 7, 20171 Portland Thorns FC 4–1 Orlando Pride Portland, Oregon
12:00 (PDT) Henry Soccerball shade.svg12'
Sonnett Soccerball shade.svg15'
Raso Soccerball shade.svg71'
Sinclair Soccerball shade.svg83'
Report Kennedy Soccerball shade.svg23'Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 18,193
Referee: Timothy Ford

Final:

October 14, 20172 North Carolina Courage 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Orlando, Florida
13:00 (PST) Report Horan Soccerball shade.svg50'Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 8,124
Referee: Danielle Chesky

Following the win in the Final, the Thorns were crowned 2017 NWSL Champions. [5]

Club

Executive staff

Owner and Chief Executive Officer Merritt Paulson
President of Business Mike Golub
General Manager/President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson

Updated to match played October 2, 2017
Source:  Portland Timbers

Coaching staff

PositionStaff
Head Coach Mark Parsons
Assistant CoachRich Gunney
Assistant Coach/Equipment ManagerSophie Clough
Assistant Coach/Community Youth Development CoachCarly Copplestone
Goalkeeper Coach Nadine Angerer
Fitness CoachGarga Caserta
Head Athletic TrainerBeckie Kruse

Last updated: October 2, 2017
Source: Portland Timbers

Stadiums

Ground (capacity and dimensions) Providence Park (21,144 / 110x75 yards)
Training Ground Providence Park

Source:  Providence Park

Kits

Primary kit

The Thorns primarily wear red Nike Vapor match kit with gray shoulders, red shorts, and red socks. Providence Health & Services remains their kit sponsor as in past seasons. The Lifetime logo is printed in a white circle on the right sleeve, and the league logo is printed on the left sleeve. A 5th-anniversary logo is printed above the shirt's lower-left hemline. [6]

Secondary kit

The Thorns' alternate kit are white Nike Laser shirts with black sleeve cuffs, white shorts, and white socks. This is unchanged from 2016, with the exception of the Lifetime logo printed in a red circle on the right sleeve and the 5th-anniversary logo. [7]

Squad information

First team squad

Last updated: September 2, 2017 [8]

No.NameNationalityPositionsDate of birth (age)Signed fromYear with club (year signed)
Goalkeepers
24 Adrianna Franch Flag of the United States.svg GK November 12, 1990 (age 33) Flag of Norway.svg Avaldsnes IL 2 (2016)
33 Britt Eckerstrom Flag of the United States.svg GK May 28, 1993 (age 31) Flag of the United States.svg North Carolina Courage 1 (2017)
Defenders
2 Katherine Reynolds Flag of the United States.svg RB September 14, 1987 (age 37) Flag of the United States.svg Washington Spirit 2 (2016)
4 Emily Menges Flag of the United States.svg CB July 28, 1992 (age 32) 2014 NWSL College Draft 4 (2014)
16 Emily Sonnett (FP) Flag of the United States.svg CB November 25, 1993 (age 30) 2016 NWSL College Draft 2 (2016)
25 Meghan Klingenberg (FP) Flag of the United States.svg LB August 2, 1988 (age 36) Flag of the United States.svg Houston Dash 2 (2016)
32 Meg Morris Flag of the United States.svg LB / FW May 11, 1992 (age 32) Flag of the United States.svg Sky Blue FC 2 (2016)
Midfielders
7 Lindsey Horan (FP) Flag of the United States.svg CM May 26, 1994 (age 30) Flag of France.svg Paris Saint-Germain 2 (2016)
10 Allie Long (FP) Flag of the United States.svg LW / CM August 13, 1987 (age 37) Flag of the United States.svg New York Fury 5 (2013)
11 Dagný Brynjarsdóttir Flag of Iceland.svg MF August 10, 1991 (age 33) Flag of Iceland.svg UMF Selfoss 2 (2016)
15 Kendall Johnson Flag of the United States.svg MF / DF April 24, 1991 (age 33) Flag of the United States.svg Sky Blue FC 3 (2015)
17 Tobin Heath (FP) Flag of the United States.svg LW May 29, 1988 (age 36) Flag of France.svg Paris Saint-Germain 5 (2013)
28 Amandine Henry Flag of France.svg CM September 28, 1989 (age 35) Flag of France.svg Olympique Lyonnais 2 (2016)
30 Celeste Boureille Flag of the United States.svg MF April 20, 1994 (age 30) Flag of Iceland.svg UMF Selfoss 2 (2016)
Forwards
9 Nadia Nadim Flag of Denmark.svg CF / RW January 2, 1988 (age 36) Flag of the United States.svg Sky Blue FC 2 (2016)
12 Christine Sinclair Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg CF June 12, 1983 (age 41) Flag of the United States.svg Western New York Flash 5 (2013)
14 Ashleigh Sykes Flag of Australia (converted).svg FW December 15, 1991 (age 32) Flag of Australia (converted).svg Canberra United FC 1 (2017)
21 Hayley Raso Flag of Australia (converted).svg FW / RW September 5, 1994 (age 30) Flag of the United States.svg Washington Spirit 2 (2016)
26 Mallory Weber Flag of the United States.svg FW / CB April 4, 1994 (age 30) 2016 NWSL College Draft 2 (2016)
34 Tyler Lussi Flag of the United States.svg FW January 26, 1995 (age 29) 2017 NWSL College Draft 1 (2017)
13 Savannah Jordan Flag of the United States.svg FW January 24, 1995 (age 29) 2017 NWSL College Draft 1 (2017)

Player transactions

National Team/Federation player allocation

DatePlayerPositions playedNew/returningNotesRef.
April 5, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Tobin Heath LW Returning2017 U.S. Women's National Team allocation process [9]
April 5, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan CM Returning2017 U.S. Women's National Team allocation process [9]
April 5, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg LB Returning2017 U.S. Women's National Team allocation process [9]
April 5, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Emily Sonnett CB Returning2017 U.S. Women's National Team allocation process [9]
April 5, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Allie Long LW / CM Newly allocated2017 U.S. Women's National Team allocation process [9]

Transfers in

DatePlayerPositions playedPrevious clubFee/notesRef.
March 7, 2017 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ashleigh Sykes FW Flag of Australia (converted).svg Canberra United Sykes was added to the roster on June 13. [10] [11]
March 8, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Britt Eckerstrom GK Flag of the United States.svg North Carolina Courage [12]
April 14, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Cox DF [13]

Loans in

DatePlayerPositions playedPrevious clubFee/notesRef.

Loans out

DatePlayerPositions playedDestination clubFee/notesRef.
October 20, 2016 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso FW Flag of Australia (converted).svg Canberra United Returned for the start of the 2017 season. [14]
October 20, 2016 Flag of the United States.svg Celeste Boureille MF Flag of Australia (converted).svg Canberra United Returned for the start of the 2017 season. [14]
January 27, 2017 Flag of France.svg Amandine Henry MF Flag of France.svg Paris Saint-Germain Returned for the start of the 2017 season. [15]

Transfers out

DatePlayerPositions playedDestination clubFee/notesRef.
October 17, 2016 Flag of the United States.svg Kat Williamson LB N/ARetired from soccer. [16]
October 19, 2016 Flag of the United States.svg Jen Skogerboe DF Flag of South Korea.svg Suwon FMC Option declined. [17]
October 19, 2016 Flag of the United States.svg Michelle Betos GK Flag of Norway.svg Vålerenga Out of contract. Offered extended contract but declined. [18]

Contract extensions

DatePlayerPositions playedYear with club (year signed)NotesRef.
October 19, 2016 Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges DF 4 (2014) [17]
October 19, 2016 Flag of the United States.svg Meleana Shim MF 5 (2013) [17]

Player's rights purchased

Player's rights sold

DatePlayerPositionsToNotesRef
January 18, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Rachel Hill FW Orlando Pride Traded rights for first-round and fourth-round picks in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. [19]

National Women's Soccer League College Draft

Round (overall pick)PlayerPositions playedPrevious clubNotesRef.
2 (14) Rachel Hill MF / FW Flag of the United States.svg UConn Huskies [20]
2 (18) Savannah Jordan FW Flag of the United States.svg Florida Gators Portland Thorns FC traded up to acquire the No. 18 overall selection from the North Carolina Courage, who picked up the No. 20 and No. 27 picks in exchange. [20]
3 (21) Tyler Lussi FW Flag of the United States.svg Princeton Tigers Portland Thorns FC traded up to acquire the No. 18 overall selection from the North Carolina Courage, who picked up the No. 20 and No. 27 picks in exchange. [20]
4 (40) Caroline Flynn MF Flag of the United States.svg Nebraska Cornhuskers [20]

The draft was held on January 12, 2017.

Staff in

DateNamePositionPrevious clubNotesRef.
May 25, 2017 Flag of the United States.svg Tobin Heath Assistant Youth Technical Director Portland Thorns FC (Current Player)Not playing due to lingering back injury, no timeline for when she will play again. [21]

Staff contract extensions

DateNamePositionNotesRef.
November 8, 2016 Mark Parsons Head CoachRe-signed long-term contract. [22]
November 8, 2016 Nadine Angerer Director of goalkeepingRe-signed contract extension as Director of goalkeeping. [22]

Staff out

DateNamePositionDestination clubNotesRef.

National team participation

Seven Thorns players have been called up to play for their national teams during this season.

TeamPlayersPositions# of call-upsRef.
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Lindsey Horan MF 5 [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Allie Long MF 5 [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Meghan Klingenberg DF 4 [23] [25] [26] [27]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Tobin Heath MF 4 [23] [24] [25] [26]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Adrianna Franch GK 2 [23] [24]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Emily Sonnett DF 2 [24] [25]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States Emily Menges DF 1 [28]

Honors and awards

NWSL Player of the Month

MonthResultPlayerRef.

NWSL Weekly Awards

NWSL Player of the Week

WeekResultPlayerRef
8Won Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan [29]
18Won Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso NWSL 2017 Weekly Awards

NWSL Goal of the Week

WeekResultPlayerRef.
1Nominated Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair [30]
4Nominated Flag of the United States.svg Allie Long [31]
8Won Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan [32]
11Nominated Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso [33]
12Won Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso [34]
20Won Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair NWSL 2017 Weekly Awards

NWSL Save of the Week

WeekResultPlayerRef.
3Won Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch [35]
4Nominated Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch [36]
5Nominated Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch [37]
8Won Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch [38]
15Won Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch NWSL 2017 Weekly Awards
16Won Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch NWSL 2017 Weekly Awards

Other awards

AwardPlayerResultRef.
CONCACAF Female Goalkeeper of the Year Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch Won [39]
CONCACAF Best XI Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan, Flag of the United States.svg Allie Long, Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges Team Member [39]
NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch Won [39]
NWSL Best XI Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch Team Member [39]
NWSL Second XI Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan, Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges Team Member [39]

Statistics

Appearances

No.Pos.Name NWSL NWSL Playoffs Total
AppsGoals Yellow card.svg Red card.svg AppsGoals Yellow card.svg Red card.svg AppsGoals Yellow card.svg Red card.svg
2 DF Flag of the United States.svg Katherine Reynolds 10 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 12010
4 DF Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges 23 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 25000
6 MF Flag of the United States.svg Meleana Shim 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6000
7 MF Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan 24 4 4 0 2 1 0 0 26540
9 FW Flag of Denmark.svg Nadia Nadim 16 6 1 0 2 0 0 0 18610
10 MF Flag of the United States.svg Allie Long 21 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 23210
11 MF Flag of Iceland.svg Dagný Brynjarsdóttir 11 0 4 0 2 0 1 0 13050
12 FW Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair 24 8 3 0 2 1 0 0 26930
13 FW Flag of the United States.svg Savannah Jordan 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2000
14 FW Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ashleigh Sykes 15 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 17110
15 MF Flag of the United States.svg Kendall Johnson 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4000
16 DF Flag of the United States.svg Emily Sonnett 24 3 2 0 2 1 0 0 26420
17 MF Flag of the United States.svg Tobin Heath 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 4010
19 MF Flag of the United States.svg Ashley Herndon 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1000
20 DF Flag of the United States.svg Kelli Hubly 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2000
21 FW Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso 22 6 6 0 2 1 1 0 24770
24 GK Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch 24 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 26000
25 DF Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg 23 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 25010
26 FW Flag of the United States.svg Mallory Weber 15 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 15110
27 DF Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Cox 10 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 10220
28 MF Flag of France.svg Amandine Henry 21 3 4 0 2 1 1 0 23450
30 MF Flag of the United States.svg Celeste Boureille 15 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 15010
32 MF Flag of the United States.svg Meg Morris 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1000
33 GK Flag of the United States.svg Britt Eckerstrom 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000
34 FW Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Lussi 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3100
Players who were transferred/waived from the club during active season or on loan

Last updated: 25 May 2018.
Source: NWSL statistics

Goalkeeper stats

No.Player NWSL NWSL Playoffs Total
MinGAGAASVMinGAGAASVMinGAGAASV
24 Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch 2160200.838018010.5052340210.8185
33 Flag of the United States.svg Britt Eckerstrom 00n/a000n/a000n/a0
TOTALS2160200.838018010.5052340210.8185

Last updated: 25 May 2018.
Source: NWSL statistics

Top scorers

Rank Pos No. PlayerNWSLNWSL PlayoffsTotal
1 FW 12 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair 819
2 FW 21 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso 617
3 FW 9 Flag of Denmark.svg Nadia Nadim 606
4 MF 7 Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan 415
5 DF 16 Flag of the United States.svg Emily Sonnett 314
MF 28 Flag of France.svg Amandine Henry 314
7 MF 10 Flag of the United States.svg Allie Long 202
Other Thorns with 1 goal each303
Own goals by other teams202
Total37542

Last updated: 25 May 2018.
Source: NWSL statistics

Top assists

Rank Pos No. Player NWSL NWSL Playoffs Total
1 DF 24 Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg 617
2 FW 9 Flag of Denmark.svg Nadia Nadim 314
3 FW 21 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Raso 303
MF 7 Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan 213
5 FW 7 Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Lussi 202
6Others with 1 assist each404
Total20323

Last updated: 25 May 2018.
Source: NWSL statistics

Clean sheets

Rnk No. Player NWSL NWSL Playoffs Total
124 Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch 11112
Total11112

Last updated: 25 May 2018.
Source: NWSL statistics on Franch

Summary

All statistics are for National Women's Soccer League games.

Games played26
Games won16
Games drawn5
Games lost5
Goals scored42
Goals conceded21
Goal difference+21
Clean sheets12
Yellow cards33
Red cards0
Most appearances26 (4 players)
Top scorer Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair (9 goals)
Top assister Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg (7 assists)
Top goalkeeper Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch (0.81 goals-against average)
Winning percentage61.5% (16/26)

Last updated: 25 May 2018.
Source: NWSL statistics

See also

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