NWSL: Portland Thorns – 2017 Season Preview
By Daniel Garza
The 2017 National Women’s Soccer League Shield winners look to build off of their impressive campaign in 2016.
With 18 players returning to the roster for the 2017 season, the Portland Thorns are looking like the top team to beat once again this season, as they will likely have the opportunity to redeem themselves after bowing out in the NWSL playoffs last season.
A Recap of 2016
Record: 12-5-3
Finishing Position: 1st-Regular Season, Semifinals-Postseason
The Thorns only lost three times in the regular season in 2016, which sums up their dominance in the league. They scored the second-most goals in the league and held the best goal differential out of all 10 clubs.
Unfortunately, the Thorns were unable to continue their winning ways in the postseason as they fell to the Western New York Flash in the semifinals, losing in extra time to the eventually NWSL champions.
The club received numerous awards throughout the course of the season, which included manager Mark Parsons winning the Coach of the Year award. Three players – Tobin Heath, Christine Sinclair and Allie Long – received Player of the Month awards.
Nadia Nadim led the Thorns in goals scoring with nine goals in 19 appearances. Sinclair was potent in front of goal yet again, with six goals in nine appearances. Long also contributed six goals from her midfield position.
Heath led the league in assists with 10 and was an instrumental part of the Thorns attack throughout the season.
In net, Michelle Batos was the number one option, as she recorded four clean sheets in 15 appearances.
Providence Park was a formidable place for the Thorns in 2016, they only lost one of their 10 matches at their home stadium. Additionally, they outscored their opponents 23 to eight. On the road, they posted a modest record of 4-4-2, and outscored their opponents 12 to 11.
Roster
Here’s a look at the final 20-player roster for the Thorns in 2017.
"Goalkeepers: Britt Eckerstrom, Adrianna FranchDefenders: Kendall Johnson, Meghan Klngenberg (FED-USA), Emily Menges, Katherine Reynolds, Emily Sonnett (FED-USA)Midfielders: Celeste Boureille, Dagny Bryjarsdottir (INTL-ISL), Amandine Henry (INTL-FRA), Lindsey Horan (FED-USA), Allie Long (FED-USA), Mana Shim, Mallory WeberFowards: Tobin Heath (FED-USA), Meg Morris, Nadia Nadim (INTL-DEN), Christine Sinclair (FP-CAN), Hayley Rose (INTL-AUS), Ashleigh Sykes (INTL-AUS, OOM)"
Federation Players: 6
International Players: 5
2017 Prediction
It’s hard not to see the Thorns going far this season. They have a majority of their roster back from last season and will add W-League Golden Boot winner Ashleigh Sykes in June. This is a star- studded roster that is very capable of posting another impressive regular season record.
With numerous United States Women’s National Team players on the roster, the club has talent at every position. Long recently had a good showing in the Russia friendlies and her goal scoring confidence should be high coming into the season.
There aren’t many better midfield units in the league, the Thorns will have the likes of Lindsey Horan, Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Long controlling the flow of the matches.
Up top, Sinclair and Nadim are sure to produce lots of goals in 2017. The addition of Sykes will only bolster an already potent attack.
The prediction for this season has to be first in the regular season and NWSL champions in the playoffs, anything less will likely be seen as a disappointing result. This club, by far, has the most depth in every position. It will likely be a memorable season for the Thorns and their supporters.