January 18, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have re-signed free agent defender Meghan Klingenberg to a one-year contract, keeping the FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner and two-time NWSL Champion in the Rose City through 2024, the club announced today.
“Portland is a special place to be. There is so much hope and joy to be found here and I’m truly excited to be part of this new beginning. It’s what the players and this town deserves, and I can’t wait to be reunited on the pitch with all of you this year,” Klingenberg said.
As an eight-year veteran of Thorns FC, Klingenberg has been a vital part of Portland’s success, winning the 2017 and 2022 NWSL Championship, the 2016 and 2021 NWSL Shield, the 2020 NWSL Community Shield, the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup and the 2021 Women’s International Champions Cup. The defender has appeared in 144 appearances for Thorns FC, and 156 matches across her NWSL career.
“Kling’s dedication to the team, as well as the city of Portland, has been an important asset for us and what makes her so special to this club,” Portland Thorns FC General Manager Karina LeBlanc said. “We are thrilled to be able to have her with us as we begin this next chapter of Thorns FC.”
In August of 2023, against the North Carolina Courage, Klingenberg became the 24th player in league history, and the fourth in club history, to eclipse 150 games played in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“We are pleased to have Kling continue with the Thorns family through 2024. She has played a pivotal role, both on and off the field, for this group for many years and we look forward to working with her this coming season,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “She has a history of winning at both the club and national team level and this will be a key ingredient within our roster as we push to get back to winning ways in 2024.”
As a member of the United States Women’s National Team Klingenberg helped lift the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, playing every minute of all seven games throughout the tournament. Her performance at the tournament saw her earn a spot in the FIFPro Women’s World XI and the FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star Team. In total, Klingenberg has played in 74 matches for the United States, scoring three goals.
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