A look at what’s ahead for the Thorns in the 2023 campaign
The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.
In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.
Portland Thorns FC
2022 Season: 2nd | 10-3-9 – 39 points
Big Additions:
- Izzy D’Aquila – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 12 overall pick
Key Games:
- March 26: Orlando Pride (H) – Regular Season Opener
- April 19: San Diego Wave FC (A) – Challenge Cup Opener
- June 3: OL Reign (A) – Cascadia Rivalry
What to Expect:
The Thorns finished an incredible year by winning their third NWSL Championship with a 2-0 victory over Kansas City, despite missing out on a regular-season title. Portland is now one of the favorites to win the regular season under Mike Norris as head coach, and if their talent on paper comes through on the field once more, they could be back in the title decider.
There aren’t many new players to talk about, but drafting Izzy D’Aquila to give the club more forward depth will only strengthen an already strong attacking line. The club’s most memorable draft pick-midfielder Reyna Reyes, who was chosen with the fifth pick in the NWSL Draft-is still in agreement discussions.
Regardless of this, Portland is running it back with goalkeeper Bella Bixby, a slew of defenders, including Kelli Hubly, Meghan Klingenberg, Natalia Kuikka, Becky Sauerbrunn, and others, in an effort to build on their 2022 defense, which was one of the best in the league. Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Olivia Moultrie, Hina Sugita, and others compete for limited space in the midfield just ahead of them. Choosing who to field in the future may present Norris with a selection headache, but it is the best problem to have.
D’Aquila and Morgan Weaver will try to make even more contributions this season to the aforementioned attack that includes Christine Sinclair, who recently signed a one-year extension following the success of the previous season. However, the scoreboard and the crowd will be lit up by the seemingly always-in-form Sophia Smith, who returns and remains one of the league’s most potent finishers. The injury to Janine Beckie, which will prevent her from participating in the Women’s World Cup, was one of the only negative aspects of the club’s preseason.
The Thorns’ ability to once again defend well and continue to unlock their prolific attack will be the differentiator with all eyes on Portland’s run to repeat.
