Catching Up with Portland's Own Katie Duong
The Portland Thorns' fourth round pick is thriving with the Minnesota Aurora. Her tape has impressed teams in the NWSL and overseas. The 'audacity' and swagger she plays with is unmatched.
We are honored to be joined in by Portland’s own Katie Duong. During her time at Jesuit High School, she helped lead them to two state championships (2015 & 2018). She was the first ever Rose City native to be drafted to the Portland Thorns (fourth round, 53rd Overall).
Minnesota is a state with great memories for her. Duong previously played at University of Minnesota for two seasons before transferring to Stanford
She is now with Minnesota Aurora of USL W after sporting director and head coach Colette Montgomery reached out. Duong heard many great things about the squad from former teammates, too. With the need for consistent play and minutes, it was a perfect match.
The Aurora fanbase is next level and one of the best. They consistently draw over 5,000 fans per home match.
“Actually seeing 6,000 people show up to every game is pretty surreal, especially for a USL W game” said Katie Duong.
The Minnesota Aurora are looking at being one of the next NWSL expansion teams and are one of the favorites to land it. What sets them apart for her is the community’s involvement with the team - many people attend games or at least know about the team. They also have some of the best kits you’ll ever see.
Her game has gone up another level and she recognized as one of the premier players in the league. In the past five games, Katie Duong has 15 goal contributions (7 goals & 8 assists), and she has also tallied a goal in seven straight matches.
The team just clinched their third straight postseason berth with an undefeated season and also won the Heartland Division crown.
Katie Duong has quickly become a set piece specialist on the team whether it be as a service provider or goalscorer. However, the audacity she plays with is unmatched. Duong plays with no fear and is constantly in the SportsCenter Top 10 discussion with her Golazos.
“I’ve just been practicing on my long-distance shot” said Katie Duong. “Yeah, trying to be a bit more dangerous from longer ranges and stuff.”
She models her game after Andrés Iniesta: “My favorite player growing up was Iniesta and I would say my biggest inspiration as a player.”
The ‘audacity’ Duong plays with makes her special and fun to watch.
“I would say combining and playing out of tight spaces” said Duong. “I really enjoy playing possession, but also balancing that with being dangerous and finding moments to go forward.“
Although she feels most comfortable playing as an eight, her experience as a six or ten make her a fit at any role or in any midfield.
Her play has stood out and an opportunity is bound to be knocking quite soon.
“I definitely want to keep pursuing professional soccer” said Katie Duong. “Obviously another opportunity in the NWSL would be great, but I’m also looking overseas a little bit. I think right now, just wanting to find somewhere that I’m going to get that opportunity to play professional and go from there.”
Katie Duong’s work ethic, talent, and audacity will allow her to find a home in professional soccer soon. Whether that may be in Portland, NWSL, or overseas she’ll be successful with the the team that gives her an opportunity - there is no doubt.
Coach Katie
Similar to Portland Thorns’ Meaghan Nally and Morgan Weaver, Katie Duong is interested in becoming a coach. She started coaching in high school doing individual lessons and this past year has started helping out with younger teams.
“I’ve had a lot of fun with that” said the Minnesota Aurora star. “It’s something that brings me a lot of joy - just to see how fast younger kids learn, but also just the pure joy they have when they’re playing. I feel like soccer is just such a good way to teach so many life skills.”
She is looking at starting her licenses soon and achieving them at getting the highest levels in the future as well.
One of the most impressive attributes about Duong is her IQ on and off the pitch. She also recently graduated from Stanford with a major in biomechanical engineering. Whether it be in soccer, engineering, she’ll find a way to be successful.
Bonus:
If you could have lunch with any celebrity or athlete, who would it be?
KD: Andrés Iniesta
Favorite Vietnamese food?
KD: Pho or Lemon Grass Chicken
What is your dream vacation?
KD: Greece
Be sure to follow Katie Duong on socials!
Twitter/X: @KatieDuong3
Instagram: @KatieDuong3
I cannot thank Katie enough for spending time to speak with me. We at Stumptown Footy wish her all the luck with the rest of the season with Minnesota and her bright future in professional soccer, coaching, and biomechanical engineering!
Maybe it's time for the Thorns to bring her back!