PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC announced today that the club has signed midfielder Celeste Boureille and acquired forward Hayley Raso off waivers. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Boureille, 21, played at the University of California-Berkeley from 2012-15, and has been in preseason training camp with Thorns FC. In four seasons, Boureille appeared in 84 games for the Golden Bears, tallying 16 goals and eight assists. As a senior in 2015, Boureille registered five goals and two assists, earning second-team All-PAC 12 accolades as she helped guide California to the NCAA Tournament.
“I am excited we have been able to reward Celeste for great performances throughout preseason,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. “Her approach to every day is first class and we have seen her improve each week. While she gives us depth in the midfield, I hope she can continue her progress and keep pushing on.”
Raso, 21, who was named to the Australia Women’s National Team roster for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, joined the Washington Spirit midway through the 2015 season and appeared in nine games. Professionally, Raso began her career with Canberra United in 2011 and had stints with the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory. Playing with the national team, Raso has earned 12 caps since making her debut in 2012 and also competed for the U20 Australian women’s national team.
“We are fortunate to be in a position to pick up Hayley and bring her to Portland,” said Parsons. “She is an explosive and versatile forward who offers another dynamic to our current forwards. I look forward to her settling in and getting ready for the weeks ahead.”
Thorns FC open their 2016 campaign at home against the expansion Orlando Pride on Sunday, April 17; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Pacific).
Celeste Boureille
Pronunciation: BOO-ray
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Born: April 20, 1994
Hometown: San Francisco, Calif.
College: University of California - Berkeley
Acquired: Signed, April 15, 2016
Hayley Raso
Position: Forward
Height: 5-4
Born: Sept. 5, 1994
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
Last Club: Washington Spirit
Acquired: Claimed off of waivers on April 15, 2016
