2021 Portland Thorns FC season

Last updated

Portland Thorns FC
2021 season
Owner Merritt Paulson
General manager Gavin Wilkinson
(suspended Oct. 6, 2021)
Head coach Mark Parsons
Stadium Providence Park
(capacity: 25,218)
NWSL 1st (NWSL Shield)
Challenge Cup Champions
WICC Champions
NWSL Playoffs Semi-finalists
  2020
2022  
All statistics correct as of August 5, 2022.

The 2021 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's ninth season as a professional women's soccer team. Thorns FC plays in the National Women's Soccer League, the top tier of women's soccer in the United States.

Contents

Background

The Thorns were semi-finalists in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup and champions of the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, which replaced the 2020 NWSL season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abuse scandal

Throughout the 2021 National Women's Soccer League season, allegations of abuse surfaced in multiple teams across the National Women's Soccer League in the United States. As a result, five out of the ten teams in the league had head coaches resign or be fired, with league commissioner Lisa Baird also resigning due to the scandal. [1] [2]

In late-September, The Athletic published an investigation into North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley, alleging that Riley had sexually coerced and verbally abused players on his teams, specifically during the time period between 2011 and 2015 (consisting of his time in WPS, WPSL, and NWSL). More than a dozen players from every team Riley had coached since 2010 spoke to the publication and two named players went on the record with allegations against him. In the article, Riley denied the allegations. [3] [4] The article also stated that NWSL failed to act on Riley's alleged abuses multiple times, including earlier in 2021 when the league declined to act on an offer from two of Riley's alleged victims to assist in investigating Riley's alleged abuses. [5] Later that day, the Courage announced that Riley had been fired due to "very serious allegations of misconduct". [6] [7]

Thorns owner Merritt Paulson (left) and general manager Gavin Wilkinson (center) attend a Portland Timbers match in 2016. Paulson and Wilkinson apologized following The Athletic's report on the 2021 NWSL abuse scandal. Merritt Paulson Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids 2016-10-16.jpg
Thorns owner Merritt Paulson (left) and general manager Gavin Wilkinson (center) attend a Portland Timbers match in 2016. Paulson and Wilkinson apologized following The Athletic's report on the 2021 NWSL abuse scandal.

The Thorns released a statement the same day citing that some of the incidents occurred during Riley's two-year tenure as head coach of the Thorns in 2015 and discussing their reaction to the incidents at the time. [8] The Thorns later claimed to have investigated the reports and allowed Riley's contact to expire as a result, but did not fire him, and later thanked Riley for his service and continued to praise his performances in the following years. Paulson also apologized for this course of action. [9]

In the report by The Athletic, a former Thorns player who had raised complaints about Riley also said Thorns general manager Gavin Wilkinson complained to her about a newspaper story in 2014 regarding her sexuality and suggested to her that she should not publicly discuss her sexuality or Pride. Wilkinson initially disputed Shim's recollection, calling it "bullshit", [3] then released another statement apologizing to Shim. [9] The player's story was further corroborated by the reporter who wrote the story, who noted that a member of the club's communications staff had complained about the lack of advance notice about the story's publication, as well as for another story about the same player in 2018 after she had left the team. [9] Another reporter who covered the team corroborated the reporter's account. [10]

Also in September, former Sky Blue FC player Nadia Nadim accused management of forging her signature on a contract extension so they could trade her to the Thorns in early 2016. [11]

Thorns and Timbers owner Merritt Paulson apologized in an open letter on October 4, [9] but a number of Portland Thorns players released a statement two days later calling for Wilkinson to be suspended. [12] On the day of the players' statement, Wilkinson, who was responsible for Riley's hire and the eventual non-retainment of Riley's services following the 2015 season, was put on administrative leave from his role as the Thorns general manager, though not from his roles as general manager and president of the co-owned Portland Timbers. [13] That evening, players interrupted several matches to link arms in a circle in the center of a field to protest against abuse. [14] The protest was repeated by players in several leagues outside the United States, such as the FA Women's Super League, in a gesture of solidarity. [15]

Aftermath

The club reinstated Wilkinson as Timbers and Thorns president of soccer in January 2022 following an internal business review; [16] however, due to ongoing league, union, and federation investigations, no players could be interviewed, and the players association disavowed any connection between the internal review and other investigations. [17]

Wilkinson and the Portland Timbers front office faced further accusations of misconduct in the face of abuse reports in February 2022, when Major League Soccer suspended Timbers player Andy Polo pending an investigation into allegations of domestic violence made by Polo's ex-partner. [18] Police reports later indicated that Timbers employees were present when police arrived to investigate the initial call in May 2021, months before The Athletic's report on Paul Riley was published, but the team failed to report the incident to the league for nine months. Polo's ex-partner detailed the event on Peruvian television, and claimed she had been pressured into not filing charges against Polo. An MLS investigation in March 2022 claimed the Timbers did not pressure Polo's ex-partner nor intentionally conceal the incident or their involvement. Wilkinson claimed Diego Valeri opposed the decision to cut Polo, which Valeri denied as he was no longer with the Timbers at the time of Polo's release from the team. [19]

Olivia Moultrie lawsuit

In 2019, after signing deals with Wasserman Media Group and Nike, Inc., the family of 13-year-old professional soccer player Olivia Moultrie announced that Moultrie was moving from Canyon Country, California, to Portland, Oregon, to join the Portland Thorns FC developmental academy. [20]

On May 4, 2021, with the support of the Thorns front office and players, Moultrie and her father K.C. sued the National Women's Soccer League over a rule preventing players under the age of 18 from signing with the league, claiming it violates antitrust law because Major League Soccer, the North American top-division men's league, did not prohibit such signings. [21] On May 24, 2021, U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a 14-day temporary restraining order against the league on the request of Moultrie's lawyers, stating that the league had not presented "any compelling procompetitive reasons" for the policy. [22]

The league argued that as a single entity, it could not be anticompetitive. However, in the temporary restraining order, Immergut noted that the NWSL might not meet the legal standard for a single-entity organization, being instead a collection of independent teams competing for talent, and that the age rule therefore would violate section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. [23] If such a ruling became permanent, other league rules that relied on its single-entity structure could be similarly contested. [24]

On May 29, 2021, the league delayed, and then denied, the Thorns's discovery claim to the right to sign Moultrie to an NWSL standard player agreement. This prevented the Thorns from signing her despite the court order, made her discovery rights available to other NWSL teams, and delayed any potential NWSL contract offer. [25] [26]

On June 6, 2021, OL Reign acquired the discovery rights to sign Moultrie to an NWSL contract, and subsequently traded them to the Thorns in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. This allowed the Thorns to extend a professional contract offer to Moultrie in compliance with the court's restraining order. According to Moultrie's attorney, the league claimed to be in the process of creating a special discovery process for young players. [27]

On June 18, 2021, Immergut granted Moultrie a preliminary injunction allowing her to sign an NWSL contract, which the league stated that it would appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on the grounds that the league was negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the NWSL Players Association that would codify an age rule negotiated with players. [28]

On June 30, 2021, Moultrie officially signed a three-year professional contract with the NWSL to play for Portland Thorns FC. [29] [30] On July 30, 2021, Moultrie and her attorneys settled their lawsuit with the NWSL out of court, which allowed Moultrie to sign with the league but left the league's age rule otherwise prohibiting players under the age of 18 intact. The settlement also allowed any age rule eventually agreed upon in the league's collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association to make Moultrie ineligible again. [31]

Aftermath

Moultrie debuted for the Thorns as a professional on August 19, 2021, against the Houston Dash during the 2021 Women's International Champions Cup exhibition tournament. She scored her first professional goal during the match off a direct free kick. [32] Moultrie would finish the 2021 NWSL season with nine appearances and an assist. [33] In 2022, the league allowed 17-year-old Jaedyn Shaw to join the league in an exemption to the age rule similar to the one created for Moultrie's settlement. Shaw's rights were claimed by San Diego Wave FC, who signed her to a contract through 2023. Shaw started the season training with the Washington Spirit, who had attempted to sign her directly, but were denied by the league's discovery process. [34] [35]

Stadium and facilities

Thorns FC continued to play and train in Providence Park, their home since the team's inaugural season in 2013. The team held its first preseason training at the Portland Timbers training facilities in Beaverton, Oregon, before resuming training at the stadium. [36]

Team

Staff

As of September 25, 2021. [37]
Technical
General managerFlag of New Zealand.svg Gavin Wilkinson
Head coachFlag of England.svg Mark Parsons
Assistant coachFlag of England.svg Sophie Clough
Assistant coachFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg Rich Gunney
Goalkeeper coachFlag of Germany.svg Nadine Angerer
Medical
Head athletic trainerFlag of France.svg Pierre Soubrier
Assistant athletic trainerKelly Strasser
Performance specialistTom Milroy
Head physicianBreanne Brown

Squad

As of September 25, 2021. [38]
No.Nat.NameDate of birth (age)SincePrevious teamNotes
Goalkeepers
1 Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby November 20, 1995 (aged 25)2018 Flag of the United States.svg Oregon State
35 Flag of the United States.svg Abby Smith October 4, 1993 (aged 27)2021 Flag of the United States.svg Kansas City Current
43 Flag of the United States.svg Shelby Hogan May 10, 1998 (aged 23)2021 Flag of the United States.svg Providence College
Defenders
4 Flag of the United States.svg Becky Sauerbrunn June 6, 1985 (aged 36)2020 Flag of the United States.svg Utah Royals FC
5 Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges July 28, 1992 (aged 29)2014 Flag of the United States.svg Georgetown
14 Flag of Finland.svg Natalia Kuikka December 1, 1995 (aged 25)2020 Flag of Sweden.svg Kopparberg/Göteborg FC INT [lower-alpha 1]
15 Flag of the United States.svg Madison Pogarch November 5, 1997 (aged 23)2019 Flag of the United States.svg Rutgers
18 Flag of the United States.svg Christen Westphal September 2, 1993 (aged 28)2020 Flag of the United States.svg Reign FC
20 Flag of the United States.svg Kelli Hubly August 9, 1994 (aged 27)2017 Flag of the United States.svg DePaul
25 Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg August 2, 1988 (aged 33)2015 Flag of the United States.svg Orlando Pride
39 Flag of the United States.svg Meaghan Nally June 30, 1998 (aged 23)2020 Flag of the United States.svg Georgetown Hoyas
41 Flag of the United States.svg Hannah Betfort January 4, 1999 (aged 22)2021 Flag of the United States.svg Wake Forest
Midfielders
10 Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan May 26, 1994 (aged 27)2016 Flag of France.svg Paris Saint-Germain
11 Flag of Costa Rica.svg Raquel Rodríguez October 28, 1993 (aged 27)2020 Flag of the United States.svg Sky Blue FC
19 Flag of the United States.svg Crystal Dunn July 3, 1992 (aged 29)2020 Flag of the United States.svg North Carolina Courage
(via Flag of the United States.svg OL Reign)
23 Flag of the United States.svg Yazmeen Ryan February 25, 1999 (aged 22)2021 Flag of the United States.svg Texas Christian
30 Flag of the United States.svg Celeste Boureille April 20, 1994 (aged 27)2016 Flag of the United States.svg California Golden Bears
36 Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem July 24, 1988 (aged 33)2018 Flag of the United States.svg Boston Breakers
42 Flag of the United States.svg Olivia Moultrie September 17, 2005 (aged 16)2021
Forwards
7 Flag of the United States.svg Simone Charley February 4, 1995 (aged 26)2019 Flag of the United States.svg Vanderbilt
9 Flag of the United States.svg Sophia Smith August 10, 2000 (aged 21)2020 Flag of the United States.svg Stanford
12 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair June 12, 1983 (aged 38)2013 Flag of the United States.svg Western New York Flash
22 Flag of the United States.svg Morgan Weaver October 18, 1997 (aged 23)2020 Flag of the United States.svg Washington State
34 Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Lussi January 26, 1995 (aged 26)2017 Flag of the United States.svg Princeton
40 Flag of the United States.svg Marissa Everett August 29, 1997 (aged 24)2019 Flag of the United States.svg Oregon
  1. INT: International player

Competitions

NWSL Challenge Cup

In 2021, the Thorns competed in the cup's West Division during the group stage.

Group stage

April 18, 2022 (2022-04-18)1 Portland Thorns FC 2–1 Kansas City NWSL Portland, Oregon
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 4,646 [39]
Referee: Danielle Chesky [40]
Assistant referees: Deleana Quan, Kali Smith
Fourth official: Adorae Monroy
April 21, 2021 (2021-04-21)3 Portland Thorns FC 2–0 OL Reign Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 5,289 [41]
May 2, 2021 (2021-05-02)4 Houston Dash 1–1 Portland Thorns FC Houston, Texas
18:30 CDT
Report Stadium: PNC Stadium
Attendance: 3,162
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic

West Division standings

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1 Portland Thorns FC 431062+410Qualification for the Championship
2 OL Reign 42115507
3 Houston Dash 413042+26
4 Chicago Red Stars 40223522
5 Kansas City 40134841
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers

Championship

Portland Thorns FC won the right to host the final by finishing with the best record across both divisions. [42] NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird wrote a letter to Oregon governor Kate Brown requesting an exemption from a ban on fan attendance due to the "extreme risk" designation for COVID-19 in Multnomah County at the time. [43] Brown denied the request, prompting rumors that the league might seek an alternative venue. [42] However, Brown then downgraded the county's status four days before the match on May 4, 2021, to "high risk", allowing the Thorns to make up to 15 percent of the venue's capacity available. [44]

May 8, 2021 (2021-05-08)Finals Portland Thorns FC 1–1
(6–5 p)
NJ/NY Gotham FC Portland, Oregon
10:00 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Referee: Natalie Simon
Assistant referees: Brooke Mayo, Deleana Quan
Reserve assistant: Rachel Smith
Fourth official: Karen Callado
Penalties

Regular season

Matches

May 16, 2021 (2021-05-16) Portland Thorns FC 5–0 Chicago Red Stars Portland, Oregon
16:00 PDT
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 5,819 [45]
Referee: Katja Koroleva
May 23, 2021 (2021-05-23) Portland Thorns FC 1–2 OL Reign Portland, Oregon
15:00 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 6,435 [46]
Referee: Karen Callado
May 26, 2021 (2021-05-26) Orlando Pride 2–1 Portland Thorns FC Orlando, Florida
19:00 EDT
Report
Stadium: Exploria Stadium
Attendance: 3,407
Referee: Laura Rodriguez
May 30, 2021 (2021-05-30) NJ/NY Gotham FC 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Harrison, New Jersey
15:00 EDT
Report
Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 2,750
Referee: Karen Abt
June 5, 2021 (2021-06-05) Portland Thorns FC 3–0 Racing Louisville FC Portland, Oregon
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Referee: Samantha Martinez
June 20, 2021 (2021-06-20) Portland Thorns FC 1–0 Kansas City NWSL Portland, Oregon
13:00 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Referee: Adorae Monroy
June 26, 2021 (2021-06-26) North Carolina Courage 2–0 Portland Thorns FC Cary, North Carolina
19:00 EDT
Report
Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park
Attendance: 5,674
Referee: Natalie Simon
July 3, 2021 (2021-07-03) Racing Louisville FC 0–2 Portland Thorns FC Louisville, Kentucky
19:30 EDT
Report
Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium
Attendance: 6,822
Referee: Karen Callado
July 11, 2021 (2021-07-11) Portland Thorns FC 0–0 NJ/NY Gotham FC Portland, Oregon
12:00 PDT Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 14,731
Referee: Tori Penso
July 18, 2021 (2021-07-18) Portland Thorns FC 2–1 Orlando Pride Portland, Oregon
19:30 PDT
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 14,985
Referee: Laura Rodriguez
July 24, 2021 (2021-07-24) Houston Dash 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Houston, Texas
19:30 CDT
Report
Stadium: PNC Stadium
Attendance: 1,929
Referee: Luis Guardia
August 1, 2021 (2021-08-01) Portland Thorns FC 2–0 Kansas City NWSL Portland, Oregon
12:00 PDT
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 16,246
Referee: Samantha Martinez
August 7, 2021 (2021-08-07) Washington Spirit 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Leesburg, Virginia
19:00 EDT
Report
Stadium: Segra Field
Attendance: 2,889
Referee: Katja Koroleva
Assistant referees: Ben Pilgrim, Laura Waliski
Fourth official: Jonah Kind
August 14, 2021 (2021-08-14) Orlando Pride 1–1 Portland Thorns FC Orlando, Florida
19:00 EDT
Report Stadium: Exploria Stadium
Attendance: 4,209
Referee: Matthew Franz
August 25, 2021 (2021-08-25) Portland Thorns FC 2–1 NJ/NY Gotham FC Portland, Oregon
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 14,299
Referee: Mark Allatin
August 29, 2021 (2021-08-29) OL Reign 1–2 Portland Thorns FC Seattle, Washington
16:00 PDT
Report
Stadium: Lumen Field
Attendance: 27,278
Referee: Jon Freemon
Note: Doubleheader with Seattle Sounders FC. As of the date played, this was the largest reported attendance to any NWSL match.
September 4, 2021 (2021-09-04) Portland Thorns FC 3–0
(forfeit)
Washington Spirit Portland, Oregon
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: N/A
Note: This match was not played. After being initially postponed due to the Spirit being unable to field a full roster after four players tested positive for COVID-19, [47] the NWSL declared this match a forfeit by the Spirit on Sept. 16, citing alleged violations of the league's COVID-19 protocols, and credited Portland with a 3–0 victory. [48]
September 12, 2021 (2021-09-12) North Carolina Courage 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Portland, Oregon
15:00 EDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 5,161
Referee: Matthew Franz
September 25, 2021 (2021-09-25) Chicago Red Stars 2–1 Portland Thorns FC Bridgeview, Illinois
19:00 CDT
Report
Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium
Attendance: 3,527
Referee: Katja Koroleva
October 6, 2021 (2021-10-06) Portland Thorns FC 2–3 Houston Dash Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 11,139
Referee: Natalie Simon
October 10, 2021 (2021-10-10) Kansas City NWSL 0–0 Portland Thorns FC Kansas City, Kansas
16:00 CDT Report Stadium: Legends Field
Attendance: 5,438
Referee: Alyssa Nichols
October 13, 2021 (2021-10-13) Portland Thorns FC 1–1 OL Reign Portland, Oregon
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 11,754
Referee: Tori Penso
October 17, 2021 (2021-10-17) Houston Dash 0–1 Portland Thorns FC Houston, Texas
18:00 CDT
Report
Stadium: PNC Stadium
Attendance: 4,792
Referee: Luis Guardia
October 30, 2021 (2021-10-30) Portland Thorns FC 0–0 North Carolina Courage Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 17,584
Referee: Greg Dopka

Regular season standings

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1 Portland Thorns FC 2413563317+1644 NWSL Shield
2 OL Reign 2413383724+1342 Playoffs – Semi-finals
3 Washington Spirit (C)2411672926+339 Playoffs – First round
4 Chicago Red Stars 2411582828038
5 NJ/NY Gotham FC 2481152921+835
6 North Carolina Courage 249692823+533
7 Houston Dash 2495103131032
8 Orlando Pride 2477102732528
9 Racing Louisville FC 24571221401922
10 Kansas City 24371415362116
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(C) Champions

Results summary

OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
2413563317 +1644732228 +14624119 +2

Last updated: November 14, 2021.
Source: NWSLsoccer.com

Results by matchday

Matchday12345678910111213141516171819202122232425
StadiumHHAAHHAAHHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHH
ResultWLLWWWLWDWWWWDWLWWLLDDWDL
Position1573223231111111111111111
Updated to match(es) played on November 14, 2021. Source: NWSL
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

NWSL Playoffs

In 2021, the NWSL expanded the single-elimination playoff field from four to six teams, and granted the top two teams in the regular-season standings a first-round bye. The Thorns finished first in the league to win the NWSL Shield and hosted the third-seeded Chicago Red Stars in the playoff semi-finals. [49]

November 14, 2021 (2021-11-14) Portland Thorns FC 0–2 Chicago Red Stars Portland, Oregon
14:30 PDT
Report Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 15,832
Referee: Katja Koroleva
Assistant referees: Deleana Quan, Meghan Mullen
Fourth official: Samantha Martinez

International Champions Cup

The 2021 International Champions Cup Women's Tournament was a friendly tournament of women's association football matches. It was the third edition of the Women's International Champions Cup and took place in Portland, Oregon, United States, from August 18 to 21, 2021. [50] [51] Portland Thorns FC qualified as champions of the 2020 Fall Series and emerged the winners, defeating Olympique Lyonnais Féminin 1-0 in the final, while FC Barcelona Femení won the third-place match. [52] [53]

Bracket

 
Semi-finals Final
 
      
 
August 18 – Portland
 
 
Flag of France.svg Lyon 3
 
August 21 – Portland
 
Flag of Spain.svg Barcelona 2
 
Flag of France.svg Lyon 0
 
August 18 – Portland
 
Flag of the United States.svg Portland Thorns FC 1
 
Flag of the United States.svg Portland Thorns FC (p)2 (3)
 
 
Flag of the United States.svg Houston Dash 2 (1)
 
Third place play-off
 
 
August 21 – Portland
 
 
Flag of Spain.svg Barcelona 3
 
 
Flag of the United States.svg Houston Dash 2

Matches

August 18, 2021 (2021-08-18)Semi-finals Portland Thorns FC Flag of the United States.svg 2–2
(3–1 p)
Flag of the United States.svg Houston Dash Portland, Oregon
20:06 PDT
Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Referee: Adorae Monroy
Penalties
August 21, 2021 (2021-08-21)Final Lyon Flag of France.svg 0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Portland Thorns FC Portland, Oregon
19:06 PDT Report
Stadium: Providence Park
Referee: Laura Rodriguez

Statistics

Appearances, scoring, and discipline

As of November 14, 2021. [54]

Players with no appearances not included in the list. Players whose names are struck are no longer with the club. Numbers in parentheses in the Appearances column represent appearances as a substitute.

No.Pos.Nat.NameChallenge CupNWSL SeasonTotal
App.GAYellow card.svgRed card.svgApp.GAYellow card.svgRed card.svgApp.GAYellow card.svgRed card.svg
1 GK Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby 00000160000160000
4 DF Flag of the United States.svg Becky Sauerbrunn 3000016 (1)002019 (1)0020
5 DF Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges 1 (1)000020 (1)010021 (2)0100
7 FW Flag of the United States.svg Simone Charley 4 (1)103119 (8)501023 (9)6041
9 FW Flag of the United States.svg Sophia Smith 3000021 (5)711024 (5)7110
10 MF Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan 31010142340173350
11 MF Flag of Costa Rica.svg Raquel Rodríguez 5 (3)100022 (3)222027 (6)3220
12 FW Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Christine Sinclair 32000155100187100
14 DF Flag of Finland.svg Natalia Kuikka 5000019 (5)011024 (5)0110
15 DF Flag of the United States.svg Madison Pogarch 4 (2)000015 (14)001019 (16)0010
18 DF Flag of the United States.svg Christen Westphal 4 (2)011015 (5)000019 (7)0110
19 MF Flag of the United States.svg Crystal Dunn 3000015 (3)121018 (3)1210
20 DF Flag of the United States.svg Kelli Hubly 5000018 (6)000023 (6)0000
22 FW Flag of the United States.svg Morgan Weaver 5 (4)100119 (7)130024 (11)2301
23 GK Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch 5000070000120000
23 FW Flag of the United States.svg Yazmeen Ryan 0000010 (9)002010 (9)0020
25 DF Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg 5010022 (2)031027 (2)0410
30 MF Flag of the United States.svg Celeste Boureille 3 (1)010012 (5)000015 (6)0100
34 FW Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Lussi 4 (1)100010 (9)100014 (10)2000
36 MF Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem 5 (2)000023 (2)200028 (4)2000
39 DF Flag of the United States.svg Meaghan Nally 1 (1)00003 (3)00004 (4)0000
40 FW Flag of the United States.svg Marissa Everett 2000010 (4)201012 (4)2010
41 DF Flag of the United States.svg Hannah Betfort 000001 (1)00001 (1)0000
42 MF Flag of the United States.svg Olivia Moultrie 000009 (6)01209 (6)0120
45 MF Flag of the United States.svg Taylor Porter 000001 (1)00001 (1)0000
46 FW Flag of the United States.svg Raisa Strom-Okimoto 000001 (1)00001 (1)0000
Total7352Total2818190Total3521242

Clean sheets

As of November 14, 2021. [54]
No.Pos.Nat.NameChallenge CupNWSL SeasonTotal
1 GK Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby 099
23 GK Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch 246
Total21315

Awards

NWSL annual awards

Announced November 17, 2021 [55]

Best XI

Pos.Nat.Player
MF Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem

Second XI

Pos.Nat.Player
GK Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby
DF Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges
Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg
MF Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan

NWSL monthly awards

Team of the Month

MonthPos.Nat.PlayerRef.
MayMF Flag of the United States.svg Crystal Dunn [56]
JulyGK Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby [57]
DF Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges
Flag of the United States.svg Meghan Klingenberg
AugustDF Flag of the United States.svg Emily Menges [58]
MF Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem
SeptemberMF Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem [59]
OctoberMF Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem [60]

NWSL weekly awards

Player of the Week

WeekNat.PlayerRef.
4 Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan [61]

Save of the Week

WeekNat.PlayerWonRef.
11 Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby Won [62]
12 Flag of the United States.svg Christen Westphal Won [63]
13 Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby Nom. [64]
17 Flag of the United States.svg Bella Bixby Won [65]

Transactions

NWSL Draft

Draft picks are not automatically signed to the team roster. The 2021 NWSL Draft was held on January 13, 2021.

RoundPickNat.PlayerPos.CollegeStatusRef.
16 Flag of the United States.svg Yazmeen Ryan MF TCU Signed a three-year contract with one-year option. [66]
212 Flag of the United States.svg Sam Coffey MF Penn State Returned to Penn State; signed a two-year contract in 2022. [67]
322 Flag of the United States.svg Amirah Ali FW Rutgers Returned to Rutgers; rights traded to San Diego Wave FC. [68]
437 Flag of the United States.svg Hannah Betfort DF Wake Forest Signed a one-year contract with one-year option. [66]

Transfers in

DateNat.PlayerPos.Previous clubFee/notesRef.
October 22, 2020 Flag of the United States.svg Crystal Dunn MF Flag of the United States.svg North Carolina Courage
(via Flag of the United States.svg OL Reign in a three-way trade)
Acquired in exchange for the Thorns' natural first-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, a 2021 international slot, and $250,000 in allocation money. [69]
October 29, 2020 Flag of Finland.svg Natalia Kuikka DF Flag of Sweden.svg Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC Signed a two-year contract. [69] [70] [71] [72]
July 2, 2021 Flag of the United States.svg Taylor Porter MF Flag of Spain.svg UD Granadilla Tenerife Signed as a National Team Replacement player. [73]
Flag of the United States.svg Raisa Strom-Okimoto FW Flag of the United States.svg Kansas City NWSL
August 17, 2021 Flag of the United States.svg Abby Smith GK Flag of the United States.svg Kansas City NWSL Acquired with $150,000 in allocation money in exchange for Adrianna Franch. [74]

Transfers out

DateNat.PlayerPos.Destination clubFee/notesRef.
August 17, 2021 Flag of the United States.svg Adrianna Franch GK Flag of the United States.svg Kansas City NWSL Traded in exchange for $150,000 in allocation money and Abby Smith. [74]
August 25, 2021 Flag of the United States.svg Raisa Strom-Okimoto FWNoneNational Team Replacement contract expired. [73]
December 8, 2021 Flag of the United States.svg Simone Charley FW Flag of the United States.svg Angel City FC Traded in exchange for protection from Angel City FC in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft, $100,000 in allocation money, and Angel City's natural second-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. [75] [76]
Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Lussi FW
Flag of the United States.svg Taylor Porter MFNoneContract expired. [77]
December 16, 2021 Flag of the United States.svg Christen Westphal DF Flag of the United States.svg San Diego Wave FC Traded in exchange for $50,000 in allocation money. [75] [68]
Flag of the United States.svg Amirah Ali FW
January 27, 2022 Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey Horan MF Flag of France.svg Olympique Lyon Loaned through June 2023. [75] [78]
February 2, 2022 Flag of the United States.svg Angela Salem MFNoneRetired. [79]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin Wilkinson</span> New Zealand footballer

Gavin Wilkinson is a former New Zealand footballer who served as general manager and President of Soccer for the Portland Timbers from 2009 to 2022.

Henry Merritt Paulson III is an American businessman who is the minority owner of Peregrine Sports, LLC, which owns the operating rights to the Portland Timbers, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, and the Portland Thorns FC, a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, both based in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers</span> Soccer club in Portland, Oregon, United States

The Portland Timbers are an American professional men's soccer club based in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member club of the league's Western Conference. The Timbers have played their home games at Providence Park since 2011, when the team began play as an expansion team in the league.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Riley (footballer)</span> English football coach

Paul Riley is an English former football player and coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Thorns FC</span> Soccer team and National Womens Soccer League franchise in Portland, Oregon

The Portland Thorns FC is an American professional women's soccer team based in Portland, Oregon. Established in 2012, the team began play in 2013 in the then-eight-team National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), which received support from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The 2013 season was the Portland Thorns' inaugural season in the newly created National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's professional soccer in the United States. The Thorns ended the 22-game regular season with a 10-6-6 record, qualifying them for the NWSL playoffs. In their semi-final game the team beat FC Kansas City 3-2 in extra time, qualifying them to play Western New York Flash in the championship. The Thorns beat the Flash 2–0, making Portland Thorns FC the NWSL champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michelle Betos</span> American professional soccer player (born 1988)

Michelle Jenny Betos is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She is perhaps best known for being the first NWSL goalkeeper to score a goal in league play.

The 2015 season was the Portland Thorns FC's third season of existence in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States.

The 2018 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's sixth 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 entered the season as defending NWSL Champions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olivia Moultrie</span> American soccer player

Olivia Lynn Moultrie is an American professional soccer player for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). In 2019, she became the youngest American women's soccer player to turn professional, at age 13, and in 2021, she became the youngest player to play an NWSL regular-season game, at age 15. She was also the youngest player to commit to a college team and accept a scholarship offer, which she ultimately gave up, at age 11. She became the youngest player in NWSL regular-season history to score a goal at age 16 against the Houston Dash on June 12, 2022.

The 2020 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's and the league's eighth 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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 12, 2020 the Thorns canceled their preseason tournament, scheduled for March 29-April 4. On March 20, 2020, the NWSL postponed the start of the league's regular season indefinitely.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bella Bixby</span> American soccer player

Annabella Madeleine Bixby is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Portland Thorns FC.

Marissa Everett is an American retired soccer player who played as a forward for Portland Thorns FC.

The National Women's Soccer League has undergone many allegations and reports of sexual harassment, misconduct, manipulation, pressure to lose an unhealthy amount of weight, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse, racist and sexist remarks, and the list goes on. These allegations of crossing professional boundaries with players led to formal investigations on the NWSL and many of its teams and coaches. Former US attorney general Sally Yates wrote in her report regarding the investigation how "Abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women's soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players," The investigations ultimately concluded that multiple forms of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systematic in the sport and were not a one-time occurrence; they impacted many teams, coaches, and players. This led to public protests by players and as a result, multiple coaches have been reprimanded for their behavior. Five out of 10 head coaches in the 2021 season were fired or stepped down due to misconduct allegations. Some of the more significant allegations include Coaches Riley, Dames, Burke, and Holly, who all faced harsh punishments resulting in being completely banned from coaching as well as having involvement in activities pertaining to the NWSL.

Shelby Ann Hogan is an American professional women's soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

The 2022 Portland Timbers season was the club's 36th season of existence and the 12th season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The season covers the period from the end of the Timbers' last match in MLS Cup Final in 2021 to the team's last season in October 2022.

The 2022 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's tenth season as a professional women's soccer team. Thorns FC plays in the National Women's Soccer League, the top tier of women's soccer in the United States.

The Yates Report, officially titled Report of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women's Professional Soccer, is the official report documenting the findings and conclusions concerning abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women's professional soccer, with a focus on the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The 173-page report was publicly released by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) on October 3, 2022. It is named for Sally Yates, the King & Spalding partner who led the investigation who had previously served as acting United States Attorney General.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Portland Thorns FC season</span> Portland Thorns FC soccer season

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.

References

  1. Azzi, Alex (November 23, 2021). "2021 NWSL Timeline: Five male coaches ousted due to misconduct, abuse allegations". NBC Sports . NBC . Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  2. Barker, Stuart; Paquette, Catherine (October 6, 2021). "The Long Read: NWSL Abuse, Not New or Isolated". Since 71. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Linehan, Meg (September 30, 2021). "'This guy has a pattern': Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion" . The Athletic . The Athletic Media Company. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  4. "NWSL side Portland Thorns regret 'systematic failure'". BBC Sport . BBC Online. October 4, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  5. Morgan, Alex [@alexmorgan13] (September 30, 2021). "(2/3)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 12, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021 via Twitter.
  6. Herrera, Sandra (September 30, 2021). "Paul Riley fired after former players accuse coach of sexual coercion; players union says NWSL 'failed us'". CBSSports.com . ViacomCBS Streaming . Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  7. Streeter, Kurt (October 3, 2021). "Female Soccer Players Are Done Taking Abuse. Let's Stop Dishing It Out" . The New York Times . Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  8. Little, Grant (September 30, 2021). "-Former Thorns coach Paul Riley accused of sexual coercion". Stumptown Footy. SB Nation . Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Goldberg, Jamie (October 4, 2021). "Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson apologizes, announces independent investigation in wake of Paul Riley allegations". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  10. Caitlin Murray [@caitlinmurr] (October 4, 2021). "I remember discussing this incident with Jamie back in 2014 - we were both confused as to why the Thorns would be upset about one of its players being profiled in the local newspaper" (Tweet). Retrieved August 7, 2022 via Twitter.
  11. McMullen, Justin (September 30, 2021). "Players Excoriate NWSL in Response To More Abuse Allegations". Venus Sports. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  12. Azzi, Alex (October 6, 2021). "NWSL teams pause games: "this is not business as usual"". NBC Sports . NBC . Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  13. "Thorns GM Gavin Wilkinson on administrative leave pending investigation results". The Athletic. October 6, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  14. "NWSL players halt play mid-game to protest against alleged abuse in league". The Guardian . October 7, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  15. "Chelsea, Aston Villa & Reading link arms to unite with NWSL players over allegations". BBC Sport . BBC Online. October 10, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  16. Salvador, Joseph (January 24, 2022). "Gavin Wilkinson Reinstated as Portland Thorns' President of Soccer After Investigation". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  17. Murray, Caitlin (January 25, 2022). "NWSL's Portland Thorns closes investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, could be reopened if players choose". ESPN . Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  18. Freeman, Joe (February 9, 2020). "Portland Timbers' Andy Polo accused of domestic violence, suspended by MLS". The Oregonian/Oregon Live. Advance Publications. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  19. Rueter, Jeff (August 1, 2022). "Contextualizing the Timbers' Andy Polo saga, as questions remain among fans". The Athletic . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  20. Goldberg, Jamie (February 26, 2019). "13-year-old phenom Olivia Moultrie to move to Portland to join Thorns developmental academy". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  21. Bernstein, Maxine (May 4, 2021). "15-year-old soccer phenom Olivia Moultrie sues for right to compete in National Women's Soccer League". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  22. Carlisle, Jeff (May 24, 2021). "Court order could allow Olivia Moultrie, 15, to sign with NWSL team". ESPN . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  23. Schwager, Adam (May 25, 2021). "U.S. judge issues order allowing 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie to play in NWSL". SoccerWire. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  24. Kassouf, Jeff (June 18, 2021). "Olivia Moultrie wins preliminary injunction against NWSL's age rule". The Equalizer. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  25. Tenorio, Paul (May 29, 2021). "NWSL considers 'special discovery process' for Olivia Moultrie, delaying her court-ordered right to play". The Athletic . Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  26. Bernstein, Maxine (May 28, 2021). "Portland Thorns make discovery claim for 15-year-old player Olivia Moultrie but National Women's Soccer League rejects it". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  27. Tenorio, Paul; Linehan, Meg (June 6, 2021). "Olivia Moultrie signing with NWSL after trade from Reign to Thorns: Sources". The Athletic . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  28. "Olivia Moultrie, 15, granted preliminary injunction to sign NWSL contract". ESPN. June 18, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  29. Hensley-Clancy, Molly (July 1, 2021). "Olivia Moultrie, 15, becomes NWSL's youngest player after suing the league to play". The Washington Post . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  30. Herrera, Sandra (June 30, 2021). "Portland Thorns FC sign 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie to three-year contract". CBS Sports . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  31. McCann, Michael (July 30, 2021). "Olivia Moultrie Age Eligibility Lawsuit Against NWSL Settled". Sportico . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  32. "Olivia Moultrie, 15, scores first pro goal as Portland Thorns advance to WICC final". ESPN. Associated Press. August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  33. "Olivia Moultrie". National Women's Soccer League . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  34. Peterson, Anne M. (August 8, 2022). "Olivia Moultrie proud of stand she took to play in NWSL". The Olympian. Associated Press . Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  35. Vertelney, Seth (July 18, 2022). "Spirit miss out as teenage star Jaedyn Shaw signs with San Diego Wave". USA Today. Pro Soccer Wire. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  36. Farley, Richard (January 31, 2021). "Thorns FC assemble at Timbers Training Center ahead of 2021 NWSL preseason" (Press release). Portland Timbers . Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  37. "Technical Staff". Portland Timbers. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021.
  38. "Portland Thorns FC". Portland Timbers. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021.
  39. "Portland Thorns FC vs. Kansas City Current - Football Match Summary". ESPN. April 18, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  40. "2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Assignments: Week 1" (Press release). Professional Referee Organization. May 8, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  41. "Portland Thorns FC vs. OL Reign - Football Match Summary". ESPN. April 21, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  42. 1 2 Tannenwald, Jonathan (May 4, 2021). "Union offer to host NWSL Challenge Cup final at Subaru Park if game has to be moved from Portland". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  43. Peterson, Anne M. (May 2, 2021). "NWSL commissioner appeals to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown for exemption so fans can attend Challenge Cup final in Portland". The Oregonian. Associated Press . Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  44. Murray, Caitlin (May 9, 2021). "Portland Thorns win NWSL Challenge Cup title over Gotham FC in thrilling PK shootout". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  45. "Portland Thorns FC vs. Chicago Red Stars - Football Match Summary". ESPN. May 16, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  46. "Portland Thorns FC vs. OL Reign - Football Match Summary". ESPN. May 23, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  47. Melnick, Kyle; Hensley-Clancy, Molly (September 4, 2021). "Spirit-Thorns match postponed after four Washington players test positive". The Washington Post . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  48. "Postponed match between Portland Thorns, Washington Spirit ruled a forfeit". KGW. September 16, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  49. Herrera, Sandra (November 20, 2021). "NWSL playoff bracket, results, schedule: Washington Spirit come back, down Chicago Red Stars, win championship". CBS Sports . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  50. "Portland Thorns are the 2021 WICC Champions!".
  51. "NWSL takeaways: Chicago Red Stars break down NC Courage midfield; Orlando Pride stay unbeaten".
  52. Herrera, Sandra (August 22, 2021). "Portland Thorns FC win Women's International Champions Cup as Morgan Weaver scores game-winning goal". CBS Sports . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  53. Murray, Caitlin (August 21, 2021). "Portland Thorns beat Olympique Lyonnais, earn title as 'World's Best Club' in Women's International Champions Cup final". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  54. 1 2 "Statistics". National Women's Soccer League . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  55. "NWSL Announces the Winners of Mastercard Inaugural 2021 Best XI Awards". October 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  56. "NWSL Announces May Team of the Month" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  57. "NWSL Announces July Team of the Month" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  58. "NWSL Announces August Team of the Month" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. September 2, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  59. "NWSL Announces September Team of the Month" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  60. "NWSL Announces October Team of the Month" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  61. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 9, 2021). "A thorn in the opposition's side 🌹" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2022 via Twitter.
  62. Verizon Save of the Week: Bella Bixby, Portland Thorns FC. Week 11. National Women's Soccer League. August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022 via YouTube.
  63. Verizon Save of the Week: Christen Westphal, Portland Thorns FC. Week 12. National Women's Soccer League. August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022 via YouTube.
  64. Verizon Save of the Week Nominees | Week 13. National Women's Soccer League. August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022 via YouTube.
  65. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 15, 2021). "Bella's Big Week 😎" (Tweet). Retrieved August 7, 2022 via Twitter.
  66. 1 2 Little, Grant (June 5, 2021). "Portland Thorns sign Yazmeen Ryan and Hannah Betfort". Stumptown Footy. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  67. Freeman, Joe (January 7, 2022). "Portland Thorns sign Sam Coffey to 2-year contract". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  68. 1 2 Odom, Joel (December 16, 2021). "Portland Thorns trade Christen Westphal, Amirah Ali to San Diego Wave FC for allocation money". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  69. 1 2 "2020-21 NWSL Transactions Tracker". The Equalizer. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  70. von Wendt, Jonas (October 30, 2020). "Natalia Kuikka byter Göteborg mot Portland" (in Finnish). Hufvudstadsbladet . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  71. Ränkeskog, Gustaf; Thorén, Petra (October 27, 2020). "Uppgifter: Landslagsbacken lämnar" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  72. Odom, Joel (October 29, 2020). "Portland Thorns sign defender Natalia Kuikka to 2-year deal". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  73. 1 2 Garcia, Kyle (July 2, 2021). "Thorns sign two players as National Team replacements". Stumptown Footy. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  74. 1 2 "Thorns goalkeeper Franch traded to KC NWSL". Associated Press. August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  75. 1 2 3 "2021-22 NWSL Transfer Tracker". The Equalizer. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  76. Odom, Joel (December 8, 2021). "Portland Thorns trade Simone Charley, Tyler Lussi to Angel City FC". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  77. Little, Grant (December 8, 2021). "Portland Thorns exercise 2022 contract options on six players". Stumptown Footy. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  78. "Thorns Send USWNT Star Horan to Lyon on Loan". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. January 27, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  79. Odom, Joel (February 2, 2022). "Portland Thorns midfielder Angela Salem retires". The Oregonian . Retrieved August 7, 2022.