PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have announced its 2024 National Women’s Soccer League roster ahead of the season-opening game on Saturday, March 16 at CPKC Park, where the team will face Kansas City Current. Fans can stream the match on ABC and ESPN, with kickoff set for 10am PT.
Portland’s roster of 24 players includes 17 returning from last year’s squad, including 2023 NWSL Golden Boot winner Sophia Smith, 2023 NWSL MVP candidate Sam Coffey an a trio of veterans who elected to return to the Thorns through free agency in Meghan Klingenberg, Becky Sauerbrunn and Christine Sinclair.
The six new players are highlighted by newly-appointed Canada National Team captain Jessie Fleming, who joined the Thorns from English powerhouse, Chelsea FC. The Club also added three defenders with international ties, including centerback Isabella Obaze from Denmark, and outside backs Marie Müller (Germany) and Nicole Payne (Nigeria). Finally, three of the Portland Thorns’ 2024 NWSL Draft picks signed their first professional contracts, with forward Payton Linnehan, midfielder Olivia Wade-Katoa and goalkeeper Kat Asman all officially joining the squad earlier this month.
Midfielder Gabby Provenzano has been ruled out for the season with a left achilles tear, and thus will not occupy a roster spot as she has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list. Similarly, goalkeeper Bella Bixby will not count against the official roster as she prepares for the arrival of her first child, thus being placed on maternity leave for the season.
The Thorns will begin the National Women’s Soccer League regular season on March 16 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium before returning to Providence Park on March 24 for the home opener against NJ/NY Gotham FC, tickets for which are on sale now.
2023 Thorns FC Preseason Roster
Goalkeepers (4): Kat Asman, Bella Bixby (MAT), Shelby Hogan, Lauren Kozal
Defenders (8): Kelli Hubly, Meghan Klingenberg, Marie Müller (INTL), Meaghan Nally, Isabella Obaze (INTL), Nicole Payne, Reyna Reyes, Becky Sauerbrunn
Midfielders (6): Sam Coffey, Jessie Fleming (INTL), Olivia Moultrie, Gabby Provenzano (SEI), Hina Sugita (INTL), Olivia Wade-Katoa
Forwards (6): Janine Beckie, Izzy D’Aquila, Payton Linnehan, Christine Sinclair, Sophia Smith, Morgan Weaver
Key
NRI – Non-roster invitee
NYR – Not yet reported to camp
INTL – International Player
SEI – Season Ending Injury
MAT – Maternity Leave
