4 reasons we're thrilled to welcome Natu back to Providence Park next year
It's official: Finnish international Natalia Kuikka, aka Natu, signed a one-year extension to stay with the Thorns through the 2023. Here are 4 reasons we're thrilled to welcome Natu back to Providence Park next year.
Natu is... stuck in
Since joining the club ahead of the 2021 season, Natu has led Portland in tackles won (59, sixth best in the league) and interceptions (56).
Natu is... title hungry
Kuikka has helped Thorns FC claim three titles during her time in Portland—the 2021 Challenge Cup, the 2021 Women’s International Champions Cup and the 2021 NWSL Shield.
Natu is... hard to break down
Since Natu joined Portland’s backline in 2021, Thorns FC have the most shutouts (20) and least goals conceded excluding expansion teams (38) to date. She also helped Thorns FC set a new NWSL single-season shutout record in 2021 (13 clean sheets).
Natu is... big in Finland
Natu is not only the captain of the Finnish national team, she's Finland’s three-time National Player of the Year (2017, 2020, 2021). In 2022, she led Finland to their first EURO appearance since 2013.
