Sheva, a Republic of Ireland international, comes to the Rose City after two seasons with the Washington Spirit
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have added midfielder Marissa Sheva, a four-year veteran of the National Women’s Soccer League, to a one-year contract with a mutual second year option.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer Marissa a contract, and we are thrilled to have her as part of our team. She came to this Club, knowing the history of this Club, fighting to make the roster. Her skill sets, mentality, grit and diligence to her craft has paid off, which makes this an incredible story,” General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc said.
Sheva, 26, comes to the Rose City after two seasons with the Washington Spirit, where she appeared in 18 matches, scoring her first professional goal during the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup. Prior to the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, Sheva signed with Utah Royals FC, but did not make any appearances. Before making the jump to the NWSL, Sheva spent a season with Deportivo Alavés Gloriosas in Spain, playing in one match for the Liga F side.
“Marissa has proved in preseason that she has the technical capability and tactical versatility to be a valuable addition to the Thorns family,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “She also brings league and international level experience. We are really excited to see Marissa continue to flourish in the Portland Thorns jersey.”
Collegiately, Sheva attended Penn State, where she was a two-sport athlete, running track in addition to her responsibilities as a member of the soccer team. As a freshman, Sheva helped the Nittany Lions lift its first NCAA College Cup National Championship in 2015. Overall, Sheva scored 13 goals and assisted an additional nine in 92 matches played. She joins teammates Kat Asman, Sam Coffey and Payton Linnehan as former Nittany Lions now members of the Portland Thorns.
In early 2023 Sheva made the one-time switch to gain international eligibility to play for the Republic of Ireland, earning her first cap on February 22 in a 0-0 draw against China. She was later named to Ireland’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, Sheva would go one to appear in all three of their Group Stage matches.
The Thorns will begin the National Women’s Soccer League regular season on March 16 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium before returning to Providence Park on March 24 for the home opener against NJ/NY Gotham FC, tickets for which are on sale now.
