Key Transactions
Portland had an active offseason, highlighted by the acquisition of U.S. WNT defender Crystal Dunn from the North Carolina Courage. The 2015 NWSL Most Valuable Player, Dunn spent two seasons in North Carolina from 2018-19 and was a member of the 2019 FIFA World Cup Champion U.S. Women’s National Team side. Portland also inked defender Emily Menges and forward Simone Charley to new contracts, while adding former Florida State defender Natalia Kuikka to bolster its backline.
Recent Form
After taking the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup title, the Thorns have split their two fixtures to start the regular season, first taking a 5-0 shutout victory over the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park in their opening fixture.