PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced that defender Rachel Van Hollebeke will play with Iga Kunoichi of the Nadeshiko League in Japan this offseason.
In two seasons with Thorns FC, Van Hollebeke, 29, has appeared in 32 regular-season matches (29 starts), tallying three assists. A 2013 NWSL Second XI selection, Van Hollebeke started both NWSL playoff games en route to helping Portland win the inaugural NWSL championship in 2013.
Since making her first appearance with the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2008, Van Hollebeke has earned 112 caps and scored five goals. Van Hollebeke competed in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping the United States to a runner-up finish and won a gold medal at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.
Van Hollebeke will return to Portland before the start of the 2015 NWSL season.
