On Saturday, ahead of the Thorns’ regular-season finale against the Courage, the club will honor two longtime players who retired following the 2020 season: goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom and defender Katherine Reynolds.
We asked both players to compile some of their favorite moments of their time in the Rose City. Eckerstrom retired in January after four seasons with the Thorns. She whittled down her favorite memories into her Top 3 moments.
No. 1
"Coming back home to our fans after the NWSL Championship win in Orlando."
Notes: the Thorns defeated the North Carolina Courage, 1-0, in the 2017 NWSL Championship, held Oct. 17, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. The team was greeted by fans outside Portland International Airport upon their return home to the Rose City.
No. 2
"Playing in front of my family and friends at the Maryland SoccerPlex."
Notes: Eckerstrom grew up in Germantown, Maryland, and attended the area's Northwest High School, which is located approximately two miles from the Maryland SoccerPlex, which previously served as the home of the Washington Spirit.
No. 3
"Helping Nadine rehearse her pre-game ice bear speeches on game day."
Notes: During the club's run to the 2017 NWSL title, goalkeeper coach Nadine Angerer provided the motivational pre-game speeches for the team in the locker room. In one speech, she referred to the team as "ice bears", meaning polar bears. The team shared the story as part of the victory celebration at Providence Park after bringing home the trophy. WATCH
More on Eckerstrom's time in the Rose City
