Thorns FC loan goalkeeper Nadine Angerer to Australian club Brisbane Roar, defender Steph Catley to Melbourne Victory

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced that the club has loaned goalkeeper Nadine Angerer to the Brisbane Roar and defender Steph Catley to the Melbourne Victory of the W-League.

Angerer, 35, appeared in 22 matches (all starts) during the 2014 NWSL regular season, finishing the season ranked fourth in the league in saves (74) and shutouts (4). The 2013 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Angerer made her Thorns FC debut on April 12 against the Houston Dash, posting a shutout victory in her first career NWSL match.

Prior to her arrival in Portland, Angerer helped guide Brisbane to the Grand Final of the 2013-14 W-League season, appearing in nine matches in all competitions during her first season in Australia.

Catley, 20, who was an NWSL Second XI selection this past season, featured in 14 regular-season matches (13 starts) for Thorns FC in 2014. The Australian international tallied five assists and set a club record for assists in consecutive matches, recording an assist in four straight games from July 13-23.

The Victory are the reigning W-League champions and Catley helped captain Melbourne during the 2013-14 season. Catley has played five seasons with Melbourne (2009-2014) since making her professional debut in 2009 at age 15, and earned her 50th appearance for the team during the 2013-14 season.

Angerer and Catley will return to Portland before the start of the 2015 NWSL season.