Portland Thorns FC have acquired forward Adriana Leon on a short-term loan from Women’s Super League side Manchester United until June 30, 2023. The Canadian international will join the team in Portland and be added to the roster pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“An opportunity was presented to us to bring Adriana to Portland, and we believe this is a move that is beneficial for both the club and Adriana,” said Karina LeBlanc, Thorns FC general manager. “She wants to be here and take advantage of the opportunity in a competitive environment ahead of the World Cup. Adriana has the ability to make an impact as we strengthen this special group with her talent to help continue to push us forward.”
Leon, 30, signed with Manchester United on July 4, 2022, after playing three and half seasons with WSL side West Ham United (2019-22). Leon played in five games, tallying one goal for United during the 2022-23 WSL season. During her time at West Ham, Leon made 59 appearances, tallying 13 goals.
“Adriana is an excellent addition to our deep and talented roster,” said Thorns FC head coach Mike Norris. “She brings a wealth of experience both at the international level and club level. An out-and-out winger, she likes to play on the front foot and go at defenders, and we feel she will fit our playing style well.”
An Olympic gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Leon has earned 96 caps, while scoring 28 goals for the Canada Women’s National Team. She was also part of Canada’s squad at both the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Leon made her senior team debut for Canada on Jan. 12, 2013, scoring her first goal in a 1-0 win against China.
The Maple & King City, Ontario native began her professional career in the NWSL in 2013 with the Boston Breakers before she was traded to the Chicago Red Stars that same season. Leon played three seasons with Chicago (2013-15), while also playing with the Western New York Flash (2016), Boston for a second stint (2017), Sky Blue FC (2018) and Seattle Reign FC (2018) before departing for England.
Adriana Leon
Position: Forward
Height: 5-3
Birthdate: Oct. 2, 1992
Hometown: Maple & King City, Ontario, Canada
Previous Club: Manchester United (WSL)
Citizenship: Canada
College: Florida/Notre Dame
