PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced the transfer of defender Ellie Carpenter to Division 1 Féminine club Olympique Lyonnais. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“On behalf of Thorns FC, I would like to thank Ellie for her contributions to the club over the past two seasons, both on and off the field, and wish her the very best with her career,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for Thorns FC. “This transfer provides Ellie with an opportunity that she wanted to pursue, while also giving the Thorns flexibility to strengthen the team as we build beyond the 2020 season and is a move that makes sense at this time for all concerned.”
During the 2019 season, Carpenter, 20, appeared in 16 games (14 starts), logging 1,221 minutes. The Australian international also recorded one assist and helped Portland’s backline record eight shutouts during the regular season.
“The Thorns have played an extremely important role in helping me grow and develop as a player over the past two years, and I am grateful to everyone who invested in me during my time in Portland,” said Carpenter. “I am proud to have been part of this club and want to thank Gavin, Mark, the staff and my teammates for helping me get where I am today.
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And to the fans in Portland, thank you for all your support, for embracing me and allowing me the opportunity to play in front of the best fans in the world, day in and day out, it was a very special experience.”
Carpenter signed with Thorns FC in 2018 and appeared in 17 matches (14 starts) in her first NWSL campaign. In two seasons, Carpenter played in 33 matches (28 starts), playing 2,520 minutes, while recording one goal and one assist.
“Ellie has been a fantastic member of the Thorns and will always be a part of this special family,” said Mark Parsons, Thorns FC head coach “After arriving in 2018 as a 17 year old, she developed tremendously, while always staying true to her strengths and her own identity. I know everyone will join me in wishing Ellie all the very best in her next step.”
