February 20, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have announced its preseason roster presented by Old Trapper Beef Jerky for the upcoming Coachella Valley International where the team will face San Diego Wave on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. PT.
Absent from the roster are eight members of Portland Thorns who will be away from the team while representing their national teams. Recently acquired midfielder Jessie Fleming, defender Reyna Reyes, along with the quartet of Sam Coffey, Olivia Moultrie, Becky Sauerbrunn and Sophia Smith, will compete at the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup for Canada, Mexico and the United States, respectively. Meanwhile, defender Isabella Obaze and Denmark will face Austria, and midfielder Hina Sugita and Japan will play two matches against Korea DPR.
With the players away on international duty, Thorns FC have added three trialists to its roster, including midfielder Taylor Aylmer, midfielder Mallie Mckenzie and forward Marissa Sheva.
Defender Marie Müller, who signed with Portland from SC Freiburg earlier this month, has officially joined the squad and will travel with the team to California for the Invitational. In addition, defender Nicole Payne, who signed via loan from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, will also be with the team in California
The group also includes the five players selected in the 2024 NWSL Draft, including Payton Linnehan (11th overall), Olivia Wade-Katoa (23rd overall), Kelsey Kaufusi (25th overall), Kat Asman (39th overall) and Katie Duong (53rd overall).
2024 Thorns FC Coachella Valley International Roster
Goalkeepers (4): Kat Asman (DRAFT), Bella Bixby, Shelby Hogan, Lauren Kozal
Defenders (6): Kelli Hubly, Kelsey Kaufusi (DRAFT), Meghan Klingenberg, Marie Müller (INTL), Meaghan Nally, Nicole Payne
Midfielders (4): Taylor Aylmer (NRI), Katie Duong (DRAFT), Mallie McKenzie (NRI) Olivia Wade-Katoa (DRAFT)
Forwards (6): Janine Beckie, Izzy D’Aquila, Payton Linnehan (DRAFT), Marissa Sheva (NRI), Christine Sinclair, Morgan Weaver
Key
NRI – Non-roster invitee
INTL – International Player
DRAFT – 2024 NWSL Draft Pick
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