Though the Thorns FC 2019 NWSL is over, a number of Rose City-based players are getting set for the upcoming W-League in Australia. All told, six Thorns players are heading to the Southern Hemisphere to play.
The nine-team W-League season runs from November through February with the 2019-2020 campaign beginning next week.
Here's a look at who from the Thorns is headed where:
Brisbane Roar
The Brisbane Roar, who finished second in the regular season last year, welcome midfielders Hayley Raso – a Brisbane native and Australia international – and Celeste Boureille. Both have previously played with the Roar as has Thorns goalkeeping coach Nadine Angerer who played there on loan from Portland in 2013-2014.
Canberra United
Coming off a season that saw them finished eighth last season, Canberra brings in Portland forward Simone Charley. This will be Charley's first season in the W-League.
Melbourne Victory
Another W-League first-timer from Portland is Emily Menges. The stalwart defender and 2016 NWSL Best XI selection will look to help the Victory who finished atop the regular-season standings last year in the W-League but lost in the semi-finals of the playoffs.
Melbourne City FC
Australia international Ellie Carpenter, who recently signed a contract extension with the Thorns last week, joins the three-time W-League champions MCFC for their upcoming campaign.
Sydney FC
Sydney welcomes back Portland forward Caitlin Foord for a second straight season as the reigning W-League Grand Final champions look to repeat this year.
For more information on the W-League and the Thorns there, visit the W-League website.
