Thorns FC defender Emily Menges played in her 150th NWSL match on June 18 in Chicago, joining a short list of players in NWSL history to reach the milestone with a single club.
In Portland Thorns FC’s road win against the Chicago Red Stars on June 18, defender Emily Menges joined the NWSL record books. With a 90-minute performance, Menges became just the sixth player in league history to play in 150 league games with a single club.
While more than two dozen players have achieved the 150 games-played milestone, only a handful have done so with one club. Menges joins a list of other notable NWSL veterans in achieving the feat with their original club, including Menges’ longtime teammate Christine Sinclair.
“Honestly, I completely forgot that [I had been at] 149 until after the game. Our Director of Media Relations had told me a few weeks ago that I was coming up on it, but I missed Orlando for my brother's wedding and so it was not on my mind at all,” said Menges. “I was reminded after the game. It's nice. I mean, it's more fun to win the game, [but] just an exciting, good milestone.”
Menges has been a staple on the Thorns backline since she was drafted in 2014. It’s not lost on her the opportunities she had early on in her career to contribute.
"I'm grateful... I don't think I would've [had] the opportunity [to start] if I were a rookie now,” reflected Menges. “I think a lot about how things fell very luckily into place for me. [Things like] being drafted here when I thought I would have to try out for clubs, getting unexpected playing time due to injuries and retirements. I think a lot of things just fell into place for me where not everyone else has been so lucky."
Now in her 10th professional season, Menges can add the games played milestone to a long list of accolades – both individually and with the team – in her career, which includes two NWSL titles, two NWSL Shields and four NWSL Best XI selections.
NWSL Players to Play in 150 Games with One Club
Lauren Barnes - OL Reign
Jess Fishlock - OL Reign
Tori Huster - Washington Spirit
Emily Menges - Portland Thorns FC
Alyssa Naeher - Chicago Red Stars
Christine Sinclair - Portland Thorns FC
