Becky Sauerbrunn re-signs with Portland for one more year

Another legend is staying with the Thorns.

Photo: Thorns FC/ Craig Mitchelldyer

Broon is back: the Portland Thorns announced today that they have re-signed free agent Becky Sauerbrunn to a one-year deal.

After the club teased the centerback's return on Monday, the news was confirmed today: The 38-year-old will remain with the team for at least one more season in 2024.

Fans have been very patient when waiting for roster news to drop and the club made everybody anxious about the status of their free agents. Canadian legend Christine Sinclair and USWNT legend Becky Sauerbrunn were the top priorities for the club and they teased their renewals in a very unique way.

Following the news about the Canadian on Monday, the Thorns decided to drop another important piece of news. It was needed after seeing how the other NWSL teams have been busy shaping up for the next season. After the departure of two of Portland’s most important backline players, fans were eager to hear about the veteran defender not going anywhere.

“We are delighted to be able to bring Becky back to Portland for this upcoming season, her leadership, on and off the field, her professionalism, and quality on the pitch will be paramount to what we are hoping to achieve this year as a team and in this new era as a club,” General Manager Karina LeBlanc said in a club press release.

“I’m thrilled to be continuing my career with the Thorns as we enter a new era for the club,” Sauerbrunn said in the press release. “And as we welcome new ownership and investment, I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for the city and supporters that have always made being a Thorn such an unrivaled experience.”

Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The two-time world champion got to Portland in 2020 from Utah Royals FC in exchange for defender Elizabeth Ball and $100,000 in allocation money. Since then she has helped the club to win multiple pieces of silverware. Among them are the NWSL Community Shield in 2020; the Challenge Cup, the International Champions Cup and the NWSL Shield in 2021, and the Championship in 2022.

‘The Broon’ presence makes any roster richer not only for her savviness on the field but also because of the way she is as a person. She’s a beloved player that Portland can be proud to call its own and for sure the PTFC community can’t be more happy to keep her and her cats for one more year and that she decided to stay.

“Becky’s experience and presence, speaks for itself, and we are so pleased that this presence will continue in a Thorns jersey for the season ahead,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “She has the ability to set standards and she continues to have an open mind for growth and excellence, this combination will be a great asset for us in 2024.”

With Portland securing Sauerbrunn, they only have two more free agents to re-sign or let go, Taylor Porter and Tegan McGrady. Let’s hope we can get news about them soon.

You can read the club’s full press release on re-signing Sauerbrunn here.