Not ashamed to say I cried some tears of joy and did a little happy dance. Its been a long ordeal for this fan base. Maybe the new boss is the same as the old boss, but for now Im optimistic.
Honestly, despite the shithousery, the old boss did bring in some quality players over the years. I hope that continues.
On the upside, I hear season tickets are selling like hotcakes in the wake of the announcement.
It’s really good they found it though. My uncle (by marriage) was a runner and the pinnacle of health, and one day he dropped dead on a run because of a valve defect.
So here’s hoping that this may have ended her career, but saved her life.
Side note: I wonder if the heart problem was discovered here in Portland. That’s what the timing would lead me to believe. I know absolutely nothing about Everton or the Denmark NT, but I wonder if sports culture here
is more open to acting on “something doesn’t feel right.”
Very sorry for her on such an abrupt and unkind end to her career, but glad the issue was diagnosed and can presumably be treated such that she has a long and healthy post-scoccer life.
I often forget the typical pro athlete competes for a decade or less, then has an entire fricknig life to soft out, afterwards.
That's why I'm always on the "Go on, earn as much as you can" bus when it comes to transfers - especially in women's sports, where the pay is often low. A player's earning years are SHORT.
This is what I had heard a couple of weeks after the Thorns season ended (and just before Thorns officially announced she wasn't returning) but, of course, it wasn't mine to say.
I said what I could here just to try to keep things in bounds as far as it not being due to some failing on our FO's part (there are more than enough of those to go around as it is) and, much more importantly, the player's (which is brutally unfair).
Anybody who's ever been an athlete, a parent, or heck just a person, feels awful when someone else suddenly has their dream and passion snatched from them.
That said... that bit from Sophie Lawson (espn.co.uk on December 29) naming Sevecke the "Thorns star" as a transfer target for Leicester City was just too much. I mean, how the hell can YOU work for ESPN journalistically and do that? Where are YOU getting that information from?
Here's the item:
"Who are the major targets?: Although (Leicester City) haven't been linked with many players, looking to sign a free agent like former Portland Thorns star Rikke Sevecke would be a solid start."
Yup. Just gutting she never made it onto the pitch wearing Thorns home kit. Could have been a valuable addition and considering she's 27, at the pinnacle of her game.
What terrible luck for everyone involved, and most of all for Sevecke. Very sad to see her career cut short. But, as Jacob Stevens says, discovering it may well have saved her life. Wishing her the best in her new future.
Wow that really sucks for Sevecke. Well, it sucks for her playing career, though it's good for the "not dying" aspect of her life. Wishing her all the best from here on out.
The Thorns part of the story has her saying, “There were so many more adventures I was looking forward to. None more than being a Thorns player and being able to play with such a talented group. This is something I had been looking forward to for a while.”
Posted this in the other thread, but some details in the various sale articles:
- $63 Million, and NWSL record and also nearly double what Kang paid for the Spirit.
- Commitment to new practice facility AND a lease at Providence Park until 2035....which is obviously huge. This does, however, mean that Paulson will have some element of influence over the Thorns, which sucks. He also uses the term "partnership" in his press release which I....don't ~love~
- Peregrine will continue to handle business operations for the next few months while the new infrastructure is set up. The Athletic article clarifies that all SPORTING operations are now under the control of new ownership. Hopefully that removes any financial inhibitors to new staff, signings and contracts.
- The league fined Paulson $1 million for the role of the org in the Riley fiasco.
- Bhathal-Merage: "Our vision is to support new, widespread growth for the Thorns, the people of Portland, and for women's sports as a whole...." "Specifically, we bring deep experience in large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, making us well-positioned to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans."
Awesome that this got done early (and before the Reign sale). I really feared this would last into early February at the earliest. I feel so much relief, and given we're a week before the draft, that feels really damn good. Also, just anecdotally, I've either been messaged by or seen online soooo many people asking how they can renew season tickets they'd let relapse under Paulson. Real reason for optimism and hope that we can get that organizational and sporting pride back, but still plenty to do.
The last paragraph is big time. Supporters to be able to care for this team with their full hearts/love is the most important. I think 2024 has a chance to be a record breaking season in regards to attendance for the club.
I counted all the available season tickets on the seat map. 1,468. There are 164 in GA and about 100 in Tanner Ridge - so the cheapest and most expensive are the least taken. The lower bowl westside has fewer than 10 total. I'll be curious to see how many remain next week.
I'd be remiss if I didn't add that as a former engineering firm employee I've learned to dread the phrase "...deep experience in large-scale real estate developments..." when it comes from a California developer. The go-go Eighties taught California development some real bad habits unless you LIKE what the San Fernando Valley has become...
Seriously though, there is no way that a stadium would be approved on the waterfront now that we know that when the big one hits that whole area will just fluidize.
No shit, and I spent thirty years helping fuck up the Portland metro area so I'm hardly guiltless. The last thing I want to see is Portland become LA North.
1. Don’t be shady people concerned about perception where you don’t take ownership of mistakes. Paulson went from most influential to pariah in a period of two years and almost all of it was self inflicted.
2. Set up a professional organization with a competent HR staff not filled with yes people. You’d think there would be a low bar there because your predecessor had no business acumen, but there is massive reputation damage because of this lack of an organization.
3. Convince Sophia Smith you are committed to building a world class franchise.
4. Resign your core players and hopefully make a splash. Redeploying Crystal Dunn’s money to upgrade centerback would be nice
Hard to know how good she is. Her ratings in Damallsvenskan games are kinda average, and I think the NWSL is better than the Damallsvenskan. Perhaps we'll find out pretty soon how good she is.
Yeah, I'm not sure she starts over Hubly (like I think Sevecke would have) so it seems moreso like depth at this point. I still wish we got a more starting-ready CB, but I'm interested to see how she progresses. I can't imagine her starting in the first game of the season over Hubly unless she is truly incredible in preseason.
I think I generally prefer youth in the M/F positions and experience in D, but that's admittedly my preference.
I don't really think there's any way to know until we see her play NWSL opposition, but she is a full Danish international who's started two years-worth of CL games at 21. It's hard for me to believe she won't be at or near Hubly's level with that kind of resume.
I agree she probably won't start out in the first 11 unless she really impresses, but I wouldn't be surprised to see her take the spot at some point sooner than we think.
I'm excited to see it! I definitely want her to succeed of course. I think I'm often dubious about young defenders (esp CBs) because the potential for derps is high lol, but I'll be excited to watch some of her Rosengard games to get a better idea of her skillset. She's about as tall as Hubly. I'm curious how quick she is or if she's good in the air.
I just finished watching the Benfica CL game and it was hard to pick up too much beyond the fact her physicality and size is certainly noticeable. Def want to check out the Rosenberg games where her team has a little more of the ball to see how she looks in possession. Norris mentioned her composure, so i'll be interested to see if the film bears that out.
Totally agree that there's a steeper learning curve for CBs, even those with high level athletic traits- We certainly saw that a little bit with KC's Gabby Robinson last year. That said, she has a loooot more experience than your typical 21 year old American defender, most of whom would still be in college. Hell, she's won 4 pro titles already lol. I'd hope she'd be ready to play some major minutes, especially since she's going to be one of, if not the biggest additions to the squad this season.
To me, this seems like Hubly and Becky will be our starting CB's with Obaze as the #3. Menges is a better CB than Hubly, so if it is Brunn/Hubs, it's a downgrade from last season (which was a poor season defensively already.) Still would be nice to have another CB signing that was a little more league ready...Hubly would've been ideally the #3.
I bet she'll be given the opportunity to beat out Hubly. I know she's young and hasn't played at a high domestic level, but international and Champions league experience ain't something to scoff at. Hell, she's started twice against freakin Barcelona in the last month! I could easily see her be ready to start right away, even if I agree that I'd prefer to have a contingency plan.
Well, you know my feelings about Hubs this past season. I am going to hope that the reason Menges is gone is that she did, in fact, want a fresh start elsewhere.
I have no idea what else might be happening here with the draft, so many players still unsigned, etc. I do think there's been a BIG holding pattern on making or announcing deals until the ownership transfer took place. There's going to have to be a quick ramp-up.
Somewhere between 75% and 100%. I don't think this will be enough of a fresh start. Right now, it looks like Norris will still be coach, KK will have some sort of leadership position, and Sinclair (and maybe less so Kling and Sauerbrunn) will still be on the roster. With all due respect, if Sinclair really put the team first and was as humble as legend has it, she would have gracefully retired. I'm not happy about her silence when GW was using her to browbeat Mana Shim and later gaslight supporters either.
The canary in my RAJ coal mine is centerback; this club needs a top-tier starting CB and that’s assuming ‘Brunn re-signs. If the next press release announces that? I’ll be a happy camper.
1) Glad this happened as quickly as it did. Should have been LAST January, but I'll take it.
2) Anyone notice how the "Thorns" tab immediately disappeared from the Timbers website?
3) I've got my eye on KK and Norris. I think we'll get a feeling for how ambitious the new raj is by how long they hang on. I get that the admin staff changeover will take a while (tho they could swap out the entire Peregrine "communications" staff yesterday for my money...) but if there's no immediate GM/HC search announced? I don't see 2024 as much more than a transitional year...
At this point, I just don't know how it can be much more than a transitional year, with some clear priorities to draft as well as possible and somehow find a way to convince Sophia to stay.
Me, neither. Even if RAJ begins headhunting a new gaffer this afternoon most of the European leagues are in midseason, so finding an experienced professional coach from there would be damn near impossible.
Smith is signed through this coming season, and I think it's a bit premature to freak out over her bailing. If she gets silly money from Barca or Wolfsburg or Lyon? There's nothing in the world that the Bhathals can do short of building as good a club as they can here to stop her going, and she might go just for shits and giggles and the tapas.
I think that if we're really gonna worry about Smith grabbing a hat that 2024 has got to be more than JUST a transitional year. There's got to be SOME sign of progress...
Bear in mind that if Smith wants to get $10m in Europe, she has to lay down a runaway Golden Boot/MVP year and not get injured. And 6 goals in Paris and a gold medal. If she does all that: (1) WE WILL HAVE A HELLA ENTERTAINING 2024; (2) she will deserve it; and (3) even then she might prefer to stay stateside for personal reasons (there isn't a lot of NFL in Europe).
I can see Soph getting a bunch of goals in Paris, but I think the gold is a stretch. Not enough time for the new gaffer to get the team on the same level as Spain or Japan...
I always say I'm trying to stay out of Soph future conjecture and then completely fail to do so, but my WORST case scenario is her staying in the league, but leaving Portland.
Honestly, --and I wouldn't have said this until recently-- I think that's very much on the table given she has a long-term partner in the states and there is gonna be plenty of interest in her domestically.
I'll be more than happy with a transitional year. It's the NWSL so they could easily make the playoffs regardless (and they have the starting 11 to do so), but if you told me we miss the playoffs but go scandal free and re-sign Soph, I'd bite your hand off.
Maybe I'm cynical, but I feel like they'd have made moves for a new coach and GM already if that was a priority for them. I hope to be wrong. I'm willing to give KK some more time to grow into her role, though I'm admittedly underwhelmed and even disappointed by much of what she's done so far. Norris has shown what he's got though, and it's Vlatko-level. I'd hate for 2024 to be a transitional year but if we still have Sinclair and Kling on the roster...we haven't moved on yet.
1) Wait…you mean the first thing announced was them sacking KK and Norris yesterday? Yike! That’s pretty brutal. I won’t pretend i want to see either here in March, but wholesale firings on Day 1? That’s kind of HR-at-gunpoint.
2) For all we know RAJ may be doing a GM/HC headhunt on the downlow. I hope they are! But, again, downlow…
3) So let’s see what happens. If both KK and MN are still firmly in place in June? Or worse, October? Then you were right that the new boss looks same as the old boss.
4) Sinc? One of my big annoyances with the Paulson style is his unwillingness to move on from beloved players. He kept playing Seba and DV8 long after their value sunk below replacement level. Same with Sinc; she was effectively guaranteed a starting slot as long as she wanted one. Hopefully now we’re no longer in the Paulson Era the new owners will sit her down and have the come-to-Jesus talk that should have happened TWO Januaries ago. Then we can celebrate her and move on…
Something I think we hard-boiled fans tend to forget - the Thorns are a business as well as a team, and I'd bet that Sinclair still sells tickets. Many of the single-game ticket sales are to casual fans, and they want to see the stars whose names they know.
Oh, I'm sure Sinclair still sells tickets to the more casual fans, and this year is a transition year -- new ownership in, Captain sailing off into the sunset.
That's a good point. Perhaps I shouldn't assume that there's been much more going on behind the scenes before the close of the sale became official. But the vague language so far is odd. It seems like they'd at least have been speaking with potential hires.
I admittedly let sentiment cloud my own judgment around Valeri but didn't fall into the same trap with Seba. I don't know how much of that is Paulson being cheap or sentimental as opposed to being shamed by supporters. Who knew he had any shame though?
I'd have no hard feelings about Sinc if she'd retired in a timely fashion, as it's unlikely she could have been as weaponized in the abuse scandal if she'd quit while she was on top. I concede that there was a sweet spot between when she should have retired and when Moultrie was ready to get more starts that needed to be managed. However, Horan might have filled that gap under better circumstances as well. Anyway, Sinc seems to be operating as if she's got another year with the Thorns.It hasn't come across like wishful thinking. I don't know if that's hubris or if she's actually got a contract. Neither is good.
It's not good...but remember that her fierce competitive drive is a big part of what made her the GOAT. That's not always something that the mind can turn off when the body starts to fail. So I give Sinc about 15% of the stick for not realizing it was time to hang 'em up...and the bulk to her coaches and management for not sitting her down and laying it out.
That's why I put her in with Valeri and Seba; both kept playing after their bodies began failing them. Again, that's part of what makes them who they are. But the owner and management aren't there to run the club on happy memories, and by failing to help all three see the writing on the wall hurt the clubs and the players' legacies...
And... I *know* that there's at least one international signing or transfer coming. Now we just have to wait for the official announcement. It's not Wendie Renard, but I'm enthusiastic - there is something that looks like thinking about the present and the future.
Different topic: What do folks know about Mike Smith, the Thorns director of scouting and recruiting/youth sports director? I mean, what impressions do folks have?
MK Elite Instagram story shows that Portland-local, Argentinian int’l Sophie Braun (a CB) is in Portland practicing with Weaver, Reyes, Betfort, Kuikka, and a few other local-to-Portland players like Sydney Collins (Canada int’l; plays for Courage), Katie Duong (Stanford- registered for the draft), and a few other college locals….seems like it could just be that the Portland kids are home for the break and practicing together with the trainer.
My point though…centerback Sophie Braun. I know you can’t confirm anyone, but can you say if it’s NOT her that you’ve been hinting about?
Has the Argentine program gotten beyond the tomato-can level? Their results suggest they are “better than most CONMEBOL but still way worse than Brazil”, so would an Argentine CB constitute a serious international get? I kinda hope it’s someone a bit more fearsome than that…
She’s a Portland (Beaverton?) local but plays for Argentina bc one of her parents has citizenship. I think played college ball at Gonzaga. But I’m with you, definitely hoping we’d be more ambitious than that. Saw her score a wondergolazo during WC but it was pretty fluky and I don’t recall the Argentinian defense being a fortress or anything lol. I just saw that she’s in Portland training and wondered. She plays for Club Leon in the Mexican league and they don’t appear to have a robust defense either…looks like their season starts back up soon though.
More importantly, Kuikka is still in Portland training and not in Europe or elsewhere so that was good to see. Doesn’t mean she’s not still leaving, but I think at this point it means it’s less likely she’s headed overseas. At this point we just need to retain some players…
He's just a local guy who does Thorns Academy stuff. He's heavily involved in ODP and other localized high level youth programs. In other words, 'scouting' is limited to regional club setups.
I can tell you that Thorns Academy has taken most of the good local talent from the other area clubs. At least at the 06 age group. Locally there probably isn’t a huge amount of pro talent, so they would need to bring in out of towners.
Speaking of academies, I've gushed about Tokyo Verdy Menina (Beleza's academy) a good few times (ever since that insane run to the semis of the Empress' Cup). Well, the All-Japan U18 Championship is on, and Menina are kind of a shark among minnows. Last match was 11-0. Yikes...
It’s been insanely frustrating to have watched for years as European and South American juniors get the kind of training that produces technically and tactically skilled players. Now the best of the Asian powers are joining them. Yet we are still muddling along with the clunky, expensive, self-selecting junior club/classic team setup and the colleges’ hit-or-miss programs.
Ok so surely her background can't just be Danish/Nigerian cause as someone who spent quite a bit of time in Copenhagen, that's a hell of an American accent for someone who grew up in Denmark
You know, I've wondered that too. She's remarkably accent-less. Not like Nadim, who is a combination of the languages she knows, which language she's using, and even changes in terms of whether she's speaking formally or more conversationally. No, when I first heard Obaze speak I thought, "She sounds American."
Ok Thornando, this gotta be your time to shine so you don’t have to keep a secret anymore lol. We know it’s a Dane. I’m gonna guess Isabella Obaze…I’ve been poking around and she seems to fit what you’ve laid out previously.
And, judging from the comment left by Neverland MGMT, “Scandinavia’s leading agency”, we know who the agency is….(of which Obaze is a part of.)
Edit: who now Bella Bixby has since followed in the last 15 hours…. :)
It's fun to see the enthusiasm building for her. I love the fact that a young international wants to come here. Reminds me of when we landed Ellie Carpenter.
Young (only 20 or 21), tall…Nigerian roots (could play for either Nat team.) I thought she mostly plays LB for club, but CB for the youth Danish team (and she’s had a senior team call up.)
I think given that she already capped with Denmark, she'd have to sit out of international play for three years to switch over to Nigeria, which I imagine wouldn't happen unless she just straight up didn't get called up for Denmark.
Ok then maybe it was just at Koge! Def nice to have someone who can do both. She’s really young, though. Would’ve loved her AND maybe another CB in their prime, but we’ll see
Yeah, I definitely held onto all of that. I was looking randomly at Neverland MGMT's instagram page a few days ago (because they recently followed the Thorns) and I saw Obaze then and was like hhhmmmmmmm. But yeah, she's so young so I'm curious how she'll translate to the NWSL...we kinda need some steel NOW. But I do like what I see!
I could imagine that certain deals were already pretty much done and they were just holding the announcements until the new ownership was in place. It does very little for the organization to announce that Paulson just re-signed Becky Sauerbrunn or whatever compared to the good will that the Bhathals just re-signed Becky Sauerbrunn could generate.
We’ll know soon whether the new owners are aggressive. To me a “transition year”means falling even further behind other clubs. The Bhathals, I suspect, have a lot to unveil quickly.
Yeah, I agree and they’ve had over a year to plan a little better than that….I’d expect something a bit more than just a sale completed with no other immediate shoes to drop. Especially if they aren’t jumping into new GM/HC searches. But, will we hear about those things now? No one covers the team anymore…
We'll hear about. The new owners, eager to make a splash, will send out press releases. The Oregonian will assign someone to spread the news and, hopefully, do some original reporting as well.
Hey everyone, Happy New Year!
So grateful for you all. I have a few more Kickin' It and features coming out before the season as well :)
Would love to hear how excited you are for the team to get a fresh start with a new ownership group/family.
Not ashamed to say I cried some tears of joy and did a little happy dance. Its been a long ordeal for this fan base. Maybe the new boss is the same as the old boss, but for now Im optimistic.
Honestly, despite the shithousery, the old boss did bring in some quality players over the years. I hope that continues.
On the upside, I hear season tickets are selling like hotcakes in the wake of the announcement.
yes, but are hotcakes selling like season tickets?
Rikke Seveke officially retires because of a heart condition. I think this had been known/speculated here previously.
https://theathletic.com/5180990/2024/01/05/rikke-sevecke-retirement-portland-thorns-everton/
Sad for her and for Thorns, but good to know that it wasn't a complete fumble by the FO.
So tough. Sending her positive energy.
It’s really good they found it though. My uncle (by marriage) was a runner and the pinnacle of health, and one day he dropped dead on a run because of a valve defect.
So here’s hoping that this may have ended her career, but saved her life.
Once a Thorn, always a Thorn.
Side note: I wonder if the heart problem was discovered here in Portland. That’s what the timing would lead me to believe. I know absolutely nothing about Everton or the Denmark NT, but I wonder if sports culture here
is more open to acting on “something doesn’t feel right.”
Don't know, but things can go undetected or untested. Things can also develop. My guess would be that it showed up on physicals here, tho.
Just a crappy situation. But better that it is caught and that a young person can enjoy a long, meaningful life.
Very sorry for her on such an abrupt and unkind end to her career, but glad the issue was diagnosed and can presumably be treated such that she has a long and healthy post-scoccer life.
I often forget the typical pro athlete competes for a decade or less, then has an entire fricknig life to soft out, afterwards.
That's why I'm always on the "Go on, earn as much as you can" bus when it comes to transfers - especially in women's sports, where the pay is often low. A player's earning years are SHORT.
This is what I had heard a couple of weeks after the Thorns season ended (and just before Thorns officially announced she wasn't returning) but, of course, it wasn't mine to say.
I said what I could here just to try to keep things in bounds as far as it not being due to some failing on our FO's part (there are more than enough of those to go around as it is) and, much more importantly, the player's (which is brutally unfair).
Anybody who's ever been an athlete, a parent, or heck just a person, feels awful when someone else suddenly has their dream and passion snatched from them.
That said... that bit from Sophie Lawson (espn.co.uk on December 29) naming Sevecke the "Thorns star" as a transfer target for Leicester City was just too much. I mean, how the hell can YOU work for ESPN journalistically and do that? Where are YOU getting that information from?
Here's the item:
"Who are the major targets?: Although (Leicester City) haven't been linked with many players, looking to sign a free agent like former Portland Thorns star Rikke Sevecke would be a solid start."
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39196592/womens-super-league-transfer-window-preview-earps-fox-arsenal-mewis-moves-west-ham
Sheesh.
Hard to be a Thorns star when you've literally never suited up for the club. AFAIK she never even practiced here. Sheesh indeed.
It would have been nice to see what she could do for Portland. I liked her in international play. We could use more numbers on the back line no doubt
Yup. Just gutting she never made it onto the pitch wearing Thorns home kit. Could have been a valuable addition and considering she's 27, at the pinnacle of her game.
What terrible luck for everyone involved, and most of all for Sevecke. Very sad to see her career cut short. But, as Jacob Stevens says, discovering it may well have saved her life. Wishing her the best in her new future.
Wow that really sucks for Sevecke. Well, it sucks for her playing career, though it's good for the "not dying" aspect of her life. Wishing her all the best from here on out.
Just saw this about Sevecke in The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/05/rikke-sevecke-retires-football-heart-condition-denmark-everton-portland-thorns
The Thorns part of the story has her saying, “There were so many more adventures I was looking forward to. None more than being a Thorns player and being able to play with such a talented group. This is something I had been looking forward to for a while.”
Just flat sucks. Poor kid.
Okay KK, if you've got any cards up your sleeve, now's the time to play them!
OK KK.... say that 6 times fast.
See? This is why I tried to make KLB happen for her
Ah yes, our GM Kilopounds.
Posted this in the other thread, but some details in the various sale articles:
- $63 Million, and NWSL record and also nearly double what Kang paid for the Spirit.
- Commitment to new practice facility AND a lease at Providence Park until 2035....which is obviously huge. This does, however, mean that Paulson will have some element of influence over the Thorns, which sucks. He also uses the term "partnership" in his press release which I....don't ~love~
- Peregrine will continue to handle business operations for the next few months while the new infrastructure is set up. The Athletic article clarifies that all SPORTING operations are now under the control of new ownership. Hopefully that removes any financial inhibitors to new staff, signings and contracts.
- The league fined Paulson $1 million for the role of the org in the Riley fiasco.
- Bhathal-Merage: "Our vision is to support new, widespread growth for the Thorns, the people of Portland, and for women's sports as a whole...." "Specifically, we bring deep experience in large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, making us well-positioned to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans."
Awesome that this got done early (and before the Reign sale). I really feared this would last into early February at the earliest. I feel so much relief, and given we're a week before the draft, that feels really damn good. Also, just anecdotally, I've either been messaged by or seen online soooo many people asking how they can renew season tickets they'd let relapse under Paulson. Real reason for optimism and hope that we can get that organizational and sporting pride back, but still plenty to do.
The last paragraph is big time. Supporters to be able to care for this team with their full hearts/love is the most important. I think 2024 has a chance to be a record breaking season in regards to attendance for the club.
I counted all the available season tickets on the seat map. 1,468. There are 164 in GA and about 100 in Tanner Ridge - so the cheapest and most expensive are the least taken. The lower bowl westside has fewer than 10 total. I'll be curious to see how many remain next week.
Down to 130 in GA!
I'd be remiss if I didn't add that as a former engineering firm employee I've learned to dread the phrase "...deep experience in large-scale real estate developments..." when it comes from a California developer. The go-go Eighties taught California development some real bad habits unless you LIKE what the San Fernando Valley has become...
you think we have transportation and traffic problems now? wait until 10 years of "qualified opportunity" external real estate development plays out.
I have here a map of possible stadium locations.
https://superfund.oregonstate.edu/superfund/interactive-portland-harbor-upland-map-deq
Funny thing... that's kinda out by Merlo.
Lol...
Seriously though, there is no way that a stadium would be approved on the waterfront now that we know that when the big one hits that whole area will just fluidize.
No shit, and I spent thirty years helping fuck up the Portland metro area so I'm hardly guiltless. The last thing I want to see is Portland become LA North.
Or Seattle South for that matter, but it may happen anyway.
My ask for the ownership team
1. Don’t be shady people concerned about perception where you don’t take ownership of mistakes. Paulson went from most influential to pariah in a period of two years and almost all of it was self inflicted.
2. Set up a professional organization with a competent HR staff not filled with yes people. You’d think there would be a low bar there because your predecessor had no business acumen, but there is massive reputation damage because of this lack of an organization.
3. Convince Sophia Smith you are committed to building a world class franchise.
4. Resign your core players and hopefully make a splash. Redeploying Crystal Dunn’s money to upgrade centerback would be nice
5. Embrace a great fan base
IF it is Obaze, here's an interview with her from prior to the WWC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcsDEH7bztU
Sounds pretty poised for a youngster.
Interesting that she was formerly a FB and fairly recently converted to CB.
> Interesting that she was formerly a FB and fairly recently converted to CB.
I mean, she IS like 5'1", which is probably meh for a CB in the Swedish and Danish leagues but would be a good size for a CB in the NWSL.
Edit: Fat fingered the height. She's 1.79 m or 5'10.4".
Typo there - she's listed as 5' 10".
Hard to know how good she is. Her ratings in Damallsvenskan games are kinda average, and I think the NWSL is better than the Damallsvenskan. Perhaps we'll find out pretty soon how good she is.
Yeah, I'm not sure she starts over Hubly (like I think Sevecke would have) so it seems moreso like depth at this point. I still wish we got a more starting-ready CB, but I'm interested to see how she progresses. I can't imagine her starting in the first game of the season over Hubly unless she is truly incredible in preseason.
I think I generally prefer youth in the M/F positions and experience in D, but that's admittedly my preference.
I don't really think there's any way to know until we see her play NWSL opposition, but she is a full Danish international who's started two years-worth of CL games at 21. It's hard for me to believe she won't be at or near Hubly's level with that kind of resume.
I agree she probably won't start out in the first 11 unless she really impresses, but I wouldn't be surprised to see her take the spot at some point sooner than we think.
I'm excited to see it! I definitely want her to succeed of course. I think I'm often dubious about young defenders (esp CBs) because the potential for derps is high lol, but I'll be excited to watch some of her Rosengard games to get a better idea of her skillset. She's about as tall as Hubly. I'm curious how quick she is or if she's good in the air.
I just finished watching the Benfica CL game and it was hard to pick up too much beyond the fact her physicality and size is certainly noticeable. Def want to check out the Rosenberg games where her team has a little more of the ball to see how she looks in possession. Norris mentioned her composure, so i'll be interested to see if the film bears that out.
Totally agree that there's a steeper learning curve for CBs, even those with high level athletic traits- We certainly saw that a little bit with KC's Gabby Robinson last year. That said, she has a loooot more experience than your typical 21 year old American defender, most of whom would still be in college. Hell, she's won 4 pro titles already lol. I'd hope she'd be ready to play some major minutes, especially since she's going to be one of, if not the biggest additions to the squad this season.
Lol... Yeah... She's 1.79 m, so pretty much right between 5'10" and 5'11".
Currently have this on right now lol :)
To me, this seems like Hubly and Becky will be our starting CB's with Obaze as the #3. Menges is a better CB than Hubly, so if it is Brunn/Hubs, it's a downgrade from last season (which was a poor season defensively already.) Still would be nice to have another CB signing that was a little more league ready...Hubly would've been ideally the #3.
I bet she'll be given the opportunity to beat out Hubly. I know she's young and hasn't played at a high domestic level, but international and Champions league experience ain't something to scoff at. Hell, she's started twice against freakin Barcelona in the last month! I could easily see her be ready to start right away, even if I agree that I'd prefer to have a contingency plan.
I don't assume that any international is coming here to sit. I assume they're here to compete for a starting job.
Agreed. I'll be interested to hear the fee too, considering she's a relatively well-regarded young player with some real potential.
Yeah and she just signed a 3 year deal with Rosengard in January of this year...
Just watched the Rosengard highlights vs Barcelona. Brutal lol
Yeah. But getting your ass kicked on the way up is part of the experience.
On the flip side, it looks like HB Koge has had the lowest GA in the Danish league while she was there.
Well, you know my feelings about Hubs this past season. I am going to hope that the reason Menges is gone is that she did, in fact, want a fresh start elsewhere.
I have no idea what else might be happening here with the draft, so many players still unsigned, etc. I do think there's been a BIG holding pattern on making or announcing deals until the ownership transfer took place. There's going to have to be a quick ramp-up.
I think at this point we're like 4 days from the draft, so I imagine the see who they pick up and go from there.
Fantastic Sam:
33 goals in 64 caps for the Matildas, 148 goals in 205 appearances for Western NY, Sky Blue, Chicago, Perth, and Chelsea.
Heal up fast, Sam!
Cruel blow for the game's most dynamic striker, probably ever. Hope she's back, healthy and ready to roll soon.
Somewhere between 75% and 100%. I don't think this will be enough of a fresh start. Right now, it looks like Norris will still be coach, KK will have some sort of leadership position, and Sinclair (and maybe less so Kling and Sauerbrunn) will still be on the roster. With all due respect, if Sinclair really put the team first and was as humble as legend has it, she would have gracefully retired. I'm not happy about her silence when GW was using her to browbeat Mana Shim and later gaslight supporters either.
The canary in my RAJ coal mine is centerback; this club needs a top-tier starting CB and that’s assuming ‘Brunn re-signs. If the next press release announces that? I’ll be a happy camper.
Season tickets purchased! A lot of the popular seats are going *fast*
1) Glad this happened as quickly as it did. Should have been LAST January, but I'll take it.
2) Anyone notice how the "Thorns" tab immediately disappeared from the Timbers website?
3) I've got my eye on KK and Norris. I think we'll get a feeling for how ambitious the new raj is by how long they hang on. I get that the admin staff changeover will take a while (tho they could swap out the entire Peregrine "communications" staff yesterday for my money...) but if there's no immediate GM/HC search announced? I don't see 2024 as much more than a transitional year...
Mind you, I'm glad there IS a transition!
Ironically, the "entire Peregrine communications staff" could be fired or promoted and we would never know.
If press releases suddenly start happening? We’ll know they got replaced.
At this point, I just don't know how it can be much more than a transitional year, with some clear priorities to draft as well as possible and somehow find a way to convince Sophia to stay.
Me, neither. Even if RAJ begins headhunting a new gaffer this afternoon most of the European leagues are in midseason, so finding an experienced professional coach from there would be damn near impossible.
Smith is signed through this coming season, and I think it's a bit premature to freak out over her bailing. If she gets silly money from Barca or Wolfsburg or Lyon? There's nothing in the world that the Bhathals can do short of building as good a club as they can here to stop her going, and she might go just for shits and giggles and the tapas.
I think that if we're really gonna worry about Smith grabbing a hat that 2024 has got to be more than JUST a transitional year. There's got to be SOME sign of progress...
Bear in mind that if Smith wants to get $10m in Europe, she has to lay down a runaway Golden Boot/MVP year and not get injured. And 6 goals in Paris and a gold medal. If she does all that: (1) WE WILL HAVE A HELLA ENTERTAINING 2024; (2) she will deserve it; and (3) even then she might prefer to stay stateside for personal reasons (there isn't a lot of NFL in Europe).
I can see Soph getting a bunch of goals in Paris, but I think the gold is a stretch. Not enough time for the new gaffer to get the team on the same level as Spain or Japan...
Speaking of Japan, I trust the earthquakes were not in your neighborhood? I hope the rest of your adventure is shaping up as you dreamed.
I'm in Sapporo, way, way north of the epicenter (and on a different island). Didn't even feel it here.
Good point …
Coincidentally, "Shits and Giggles and the Tapas" is the name of the new South Deck restaurant.
I wish.... Well, maybe not the "Shits" part...
They don’t call us “The Barca of the Northwest” for nothing!
I always say I'm trying to stay out of Soph future conjecture and then completely fail to do so, but my WORST case scenario is her staying in the league, but leaving Portland.
Honestly, --and I wouldn't have said this until recently-- I think that's very much on the table given she has a long-term partner in the states and there is gonna be plenty of interest in her domestically.
Again, if Kang or someone offers her ridiculous money? She's a professional; it's her job to get the best deal she can for her skills.
All we can to is hope that the new owners have plans that make it both attractive and lucrative for her to stay here.
Kinda my point- I wouldn't begrudge her that opportunity, but as a selfish fan I sure as hell would rather see her in England!
Oh, verymuchyes. I hate seeing beloved players coming back in Seattle or San Diego kit.
I'll be more than happy with a transitional year. It's the NWSL so they could easily make the playoffs regardless (and they have the starting 11 to do so), but if you told me we miss the playoffs but go scandal free and re-sign Soph, I'd bite your hand off.
Maybe I'm cynical, but I feel like they'd have made moves for a new coach and GM already if that was a priority for them. I hope to be wrong. I'm willing to give KK some more time to grow into her role, though I'm admittedly underwhelmed and even disappointed by much of what she's done so far. Norris has shown what he's got though, and it's Vlatko-level. I'd hate for 2024 to be a transitional year but if we still have Sinclair and Kling on the roster...we haven't moved on yet.
1) Wait…you mean the first thing announced was them sacking KK and Norris yesterday? Yike! That’s pretty brutal. I won’t pretend i want to see either here in March, but wholesale firings on Day 1? That’s kind of HR-at-gunpoint.
2) For all we know RAJ may be doing a GM/HC headhunt on the downlow. I hope they are! But, again, downlow…
3) So let’s see what happens. If both KK and MN are still firmly in place in June? Or worse, October? Then you were right that the new boss looks same as the old boss.
4) Sinc? One of my big annoyances with the Paulson style is his unwillingness to move on from beloved players. He kept playing Seba and DV8 long after their value sunk below replacement level. Same with Sinc; she was effectively guaranteed a starting slot as long as she wanted one. Hopefully now we’re no longer in the Paulson Era the new owners will sit her down and have the come-to-Jesus talk that should have happened TWO Januaries ago. Then we can celebrate her and move on…
Something I think we hard-boiled fans tend to forget - the Thorns are a business as well as a team, and I'd bet that Sinclair still sells tickets. Many of the single-game ticket sales are to casual fans, and they want to see the stars whose names they know.
Oh, I'm sure Sinclair still sells tickets to the more casual fans, and this year is a transition year -- new ownership in, Captain sailing off into the sunset.
That's a good point. Perhaps I shouldn't assume that there's been much more going on behind the scenes before the close of the sale became official. But the vague language so far is odd. It seems like they'd at least have been speaking with potential hires.
I admittedly let sentiment cloud my own judgment around Valeri but didn't fall into the same trap with Seba. I don't know how much of that is Paulson being cheap or sentimental as opposed to being shamed by supporters. Who knew he had any shame though?
I'd have no hard feelings about Sinc if she'd retired in a timely fashion, as it's unlikely she could have been as weaponized in the abuse scandal if she'd quit while she was on top. I concede that there was a sweet spot between when she should have retired and when Moultrie was ready to get more starts that needed to be managed. However, Horan might have filled that gap under better circumstances as well. Anyway, Sinc seems to be operating as if she's got another year with the Thorns.It hasn't come across like wishful thinking. I don't know if that's hubris or if she's actually got a contract. Neither is good.
It's not good...but remember that her fierce competitive drive is a big part of what made her the GOAT. That's not always something that the mind can turn off when the body starts to fail. So I give Sinc about 15% of the stick for not realizing it was time to hang 'em up...and the bulk to her coaches and management for not sitting her down and laying it out.
That's why I put her in with Valeri and Seba; both kept playing after their bodies began failing them. Again, that's part of what makes them who they are. But the owner and management aren't there to run the club on happy memories, and by failing to help all three see the writing on the wall hurt the clubs and the players' legacies...
And... I *know* that there's at least one international signing or transfer coming. Now we just have to wait for the official announcement. It's not Wendie Renard, but I'm enthusiastic - there is something that looks like thinking about the present and the future.
Different topic: What do folks know about Mike Smith, the Thorns director of scouting and recruiting/youth sports director? I mean, what impressions do folks have?
MK Elite Instagram story shows that Portland-local, Argentinian int’l Sophie Braun (a CB) is in Portland practicing with Weaver, Reyes, Betfort, Kuikka, and a few other local-to-Portland players like Sydney Collins (Canada int’l; plays for Courage), Katie Duong (Stanford- registered for the draft), and a few other college locals….seems like it could just be that the Portland kids are home for the break and practicing together with the trainer.
My point though…centerback Sophie Braun. I know you can’t confirm anyone, but can you say if it’s NOT her that you’ve been hinting about?
Not the one I know of, no.
Ok good to know. I was like “not Wendy Renard”, ok, but really not too exciting either lol. And she’s only 5’7”.
Has the Argentine program gotten beyond the tomato-can level? Their results suggest they are “better than most CONMEBOL but still way worse than Brazil”, so would an Argentine CB constitute a serious international get? I kinda hope it’s someone a bit more fearsome than that…
She’s a Portland (Beaverton?) local but plays for Argentina bc one of her parents has citizenship. I think played college ball at Gonzaga. But I’m with you, definitely hoping we’d be more ambitious than that. Saw her score a wondergolazo during WC but it was pretty fluky and I don’t recall the Argentinian defense being a fortress or anything lol. I just saw that she’s in Portland training and wondered. She plays for Club Leon in the Mexican league and they don’t appear to have a robust defense either…looks like their season starts back up soon though.
More importantly, Kuikka is still in Portland training and not in Europe or elsewhere so that was good to see. Doesn’t mean she’s not still leaving, but I think at this point it means it’s less likely she’s headed overseas. At this point we just need to retain some players…
All your Sophies are belong to us
On a scale from 1 to 10, how excited are we about this new International?
He's just a local guy who does Thorns Academy stuff. He's heavily involved in ODP and other localized high level youth programs. In other words, 'scouting' is limited to regional club setups.
I can tell you that Thorns Academy has taken most of the good local talent from the other area clubs. At least at the 06 age group. Locally there probably isn’t a huge amount of pro talent, so they would need to bring in out of towners.
That the scouting has been pretty cursory and barren and the academy unproductive? That says as much as I need to know about the person.
Speaking of academies, I've gushed about Tokyo Verdy Menina (Beleza's academy) a good few times (ever since that insane run to the semis of the Empress' Cup). Well, the All-Japan U18 Championship is on, and Menina are kind of a shark among minnows. Last match was 11-0. Yikes...
It’s been insanely frustrating to have watched for years as European and South American juniors get the kind of training that produces technically and tactically skilled players. Now the best of the Asian powers are joining them. Yet we are still muddling along with the clunky, expensive, self-selecting junior club/classic team setup and the colleges’ hit-or-miss programs.
Sounds like Verdy has a terrific program…
Yeah, the number of players that academy has sent to the pros (not just Beleza) and to the JWNT is amazing.
Mike Smith? Gotta be given to him by WITSEC. Who are you really, "Mike"?
https://x.com/ThornsFC/status/1744519110237777924?s=20
Ok so surely her background can't just be Danish/Nigerian cause as someone who spent quite a bit of time in Copenhagen, that's a hell of an American accent for someone who grew up in Denmark
I was kinda wondering the same. I know a whole lot of Europeans can also speak English, but she does sound American lol.
You know, I've wondered that too. She's remarkably accent-less. Not like Nadim, who is a combination of the languages she knows, which language she's using, and even changes in terms of whether she's speaking formally or more conversationally. No, when I first heard Obaze speak I thought, "She sounds American."
the one thing I can think of is Køge does have, and has had a lot of Americans over the years
Ok Thornando, this gotta be your time to shine so you don’t have to keep a secret anymore lol. We know it’s a Dane. I’m gonna guess Isabella Obaze…I’ve been poking around and she seems to fit what you’ve laid out previously.
And, judging from the comment left by Neverland MGMT, “Scandinavia’s leading agency”, we know who the agency is….(of which Obaze is a part of.)
Edit: who now Bella Bixby has since followed in the last 15 hours…. :)
Not saying anything. =)
It's fun to see the enthusiasm building for her. I love the fact that a young international wants to come here. Reminds me of when we landed Ellie Carpenter.
Yes well, the social media follow would def indicate it's her lol
Time to do some scouting!
Young (only 20 or 21), tall…Nigerian roots (could play for either Nat team.) I thought she mostly plays LB for club, but CB for the youth Danish team (and she’s had a senior team call up.)
I think given that she already capped with Denmark, she'd have to sit out of international play for three years to switch over to Nigeria, which I imagine wouldn't happen unless she just straight up didn't get called up for Denmark.
She's started at CB in all their Champions League matches (I watched both the Barcelona games when they happened), but I like the versatility!
Def know what games I’ll put on in the background while working today! :)
Ok then maybe it was just at Koge! Def nice to have someone who can do both. She’s really young, though. Would’ve loved her AND maybe another CB in their prime, but we’ll see
Well, I think back in mid-November I said "tall young international CB."
IF it's her, she fits the bill:
tall (5'10")
young (21 now)
international (Danish/Nigerian, playing for Denmark and with UWCL experience)
CB (yup)
Although she's young, she's been playing pro since 2018... so, since age 15-16?
Let's see what shakes out. =)
The Fabrizio Romano of STF. Well sourced sir!
Yeah, I definitely held onto all of that. I was looking randomly at Neverland MGMT's instagram page a few days ago (because they recently followed the Thorns) and I saw Obaze then and was like hhhmmmmmmm. But yeah, she's so young so I'm curious how she'll translate to the NWSL...we kinda need some steel NOW. But I do like what I see!
https://x.com/womenstransfer/status/1744088127646367934?s=20
Lmao well there's Emily Fox
Lol this is so funny
so glad for new ownership! Now for a new GM and coach so that we stop bleeding players ... players who WANT to leave !!!!
I could imagine that certain deals were already pretty much done and they were just holding the announcements until the new ownership was in place. It does very little for the organization to announce that Paulson just re-signed Becky Sauerbrunn or whatever compared to the good will that the Bhathals just re-signed Becky Sauerbrunn could generate.
We’ll know soon whether the new owners are aggressive. To me a “transition year”means falling even further behind other clubs. The Bhathals, I suspect, have a lot to unveil quickly.
Yeah, I agree and they’ve had over a year to plan a little better than that….I’d expect something a bit more than just a sale completed with no other immediate shoes to drop. Especially if they aren’t jumping into new GM/HC searches. But, will we hear about those things now? No one covers the team anymore…
Channel 12 had a several-minute-long segment on the sale and fan reaction to it on the prime time news tonight.
Ohh, I wonder if I can find that on the internets somewhere…
We'll hear about. The new owners, eager to make a splash, will send out press releases. The Oregonian will assign someone to spread the news and, hopefully, do some original reporting as well.