Morgan Weaver signs extension with Portland Thorns
She's staying in Portland! And - Morgan Weaver is also set to return to play on Friday.
‘Weavs’ Contract Extension
On January 16, 2020 the Portland Thorns selected Morgan Weaver out of Washington State University with the second overall pick in the NWSL draft. Along with Soph Smith who was selected #1 overall, they would be the key pillars for the Thorns’ attack.
Today, she has just signed a massive four-year (five if you include this year) extension to stay with Portland Thorns.
Every season, she has continually gotten better. In 2023, she had her best season scoring 10 goals in all competitions and had a career high four assists.
Morgan Weaver has already made two appearances with the USWNT. She is heading into the prime of her career. The scary part is… she’s still getting better.
She epitomizes what it is to be a Portland Thorn. Her passion on the pitch is second to none and work rate continues to be unmatched. However, Weaver continues to put in the extra work off the pitch by giving back to the community too.
“From the moment she was drafted Morgan has exemplified what it means to be aPortland Thorn. Her commitment to this Club, this city and this community are evident in everything she does,” said General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc of the forward.
“She takes great pride in wearing the crest, giving it her all each and every time she walks on the field. We are grateful to have seen her grow and develop these past few years, and thankful for her contributions to our success. We are thrilled with her decision to commit to this club long term and look forward to what we will all be able to do together.”
You can read the Thorns’ full news release on Morgan’s extension here.
She’s Back!
Her long awaited return to play is set to be tomorrow against the Chicago Red Stars. Since May 1, she has been out after suffering an injury against Bay FC. Weaver underwent successful arthroscopic surgery of her right knee, and had been placed on the 45-day injury list.
Head coach, Rob Gale, informed us that she had been back training for weeks and said she was very close to returning. The timing could not be much better with the team needing her energy and spark.
Weaver, Alexa Spaanstra, Reilyn Turner, and Payton Linnehan at winger will give the team plenty of options down the stretch.
Reaction
This absolutely had to get done. Losing Morgan Weaver was never going to be acceptable. She is meant to be in the Pacific Northwest and is the heartbeat of the Portland Thorns.
The club has placed their faith in her with a huge four-year extension. She is entering the prime of her career and has a chance to play her entire professional football in the Rose City.
Her work on and off the pitch is more than deserving of the every penny she’s due to make. This extension is proof of all the blood, sweat, and tears she put in to become the best player possible.
Enjoy this moment — she’s here to stay.
Grade: A+
You have to reward players who just do everything right on and off the pitch and that’s Morgan Weaver.
Beyond her scoring and assists she provides box to box defending, high press, and what I miss most is joyful energy. Welcome Back Chaos Muppet!!!
Needed both of these things - Weaver returning to play, Weaver returning to Portland.