November 10, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced that midfielder Sam Coffey has signed a contract extension through the 2025 season.
“Our team’s mentality is to always exceed expectations, and Sam does that daily. She played a key role in our championship run this season and will continue to be a part of our long-term plans to secure another title,” said Karina LeBlanc, Thorns FC general manager. “The connection Sam and her family have made with Portland is a special one that we are looking forward to growing for years to come.”
A finalist for 2022 NWSL Rookie of the Year, Coffey made 19 appearances (18 starts) for Portland, logging the third-most minutes played on the team (1,585). Amongst midfielders in the league, the Sleepy Hollow, New York native completed the most successful long passes (70) in the NWSL, ranked tied for third in interceptions (38) and tied for fifth in chances created (35), while finishing the campaign with an 83% passing accuracy. Coffey tallied one goal and two assists for Thorns FC in the regular season, scoring her first professional goal on Sept. 21 against Racing Louisville FC.
“Sam was a rookie for one day, mature beyond her years. Her ability to lead from the back, to always be available, to manipulate the opposition and create spaces for her herself and her teammates is impressive to see from someone so new to the professional game,” Thorns FC head coach Rhian Wilkinson shared. “Sam continues to improve and grow daily, what a privilege to have her with us and to be a part of watching her become one of the very best #6’s this country has ever produced.”
The 23-year-old midfielder earned NWSL Best XI First Team honors in 2022. Coffey was also a two-time NWSL Team of the Month selection (June, September/October), earning Rookie of the Month honors in June. In the postseason, Coffey played all 180 minutes in Portland’s two playoff games, helping the club to its league-best third NWSL Championship title.
On the international level, Coffey has made three appearances with the U.S. Women’s National Team. She earned her first cap on Sept. 6, playing all 90 minutes against Nigeria in her debut. Notably, Coffey became the 250thâ¯player to earn a cap for the USWNT in her first cap.
The 12th pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Coffey concluded her collegiate career at Penn State (2019-2021) and Boston College (2017-2018) with 42 goals and 54…