Thorns FC defender Natalia Kuikka was named to Finland Women's National Team's 23-player squad for this summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2022 tournament in England, it was announced today. It is Finland's first appearance in the tournament in nine years.
Placed in Group B, Kuikka and Finland will begin play on July 8 when they face Spain at 9am PT. Group stage play will continue for the Boreal Owls on July 12 against Scandanavian rival Denmark at 9am PT followed by their final group stage match against Germany on July 16 at 12pm PT. All three matches will be played at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.
The reigning Finland Female Player of the Year, Kuikka has over 60 caps for the national team. Now in her second year with the Thorns, Kuikka has appeared in all seven of the team's 2022 regular season matches (six starts) and has one assist on the campaign. She was also a key member of Portland's 2021 treble-winning season helping the club to the NWSL Challenge Cup, Women's International Champions Cup and NWSL Shield trophies.
